Manual Machinist

Are you an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist or Precision Engineer looking for your next opportunity within a world-class precision engineering environment?

Do you enjoy producing one-off and small batch precision components while working to tight tolerances using manual machine tools?

We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Service Centre Operator (Manual Machinist / Toolroom Machinist) to join their Toolroom team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on prototype development, tooling manufacture and production support within a business renowned for engineering excellence and innovation.

What's the role all about?

As a Service Centre Operator, you'll be responsible for manufacturing high-precision components using manual milling machines, manual lathes and manual surface grinders.

Working closely with Design Engineers and Production teams, you'll produce tooling, prototypes and precision parts from engineering drawings, ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy are achieved.

This is a varied, hands-on role where your machining expertise will directly support new product development and manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities

• Operate manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders
• Manufacture one-off and small batch precision components and tooling
• Produce components to tight tolerances from engineering drawings and specifications
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation
• Select appropriate tooling, workholding methods and machining strategies
• Carry out machine set-up, alignment and routine maintenance
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers and dial gauges
• Work closely with Design Engineering and Production teams to support prototype and tooling requirements
• Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability using the ERP system
• Ensure all work is completed in line with company quality standards and Health & Safety procedures
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Toolroom and Manufacturing departments

What you'll need

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Proven experience operating:
• Manual milling machines
• Manual centre lathes
• Manual surface grinders
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience working to tight tolerances within a precision engineering environment
• Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds
• Experience using precision measuring equipment
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components

Desirable

• Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship
• NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
• Background within aerospace, electronics or precision manufacturing

About you

You're a skilled machinist who enjoys producing high-quality precision components and takes pride in your craftsmanship.

You'll be:

• Detail-focused and methodical
• Hands-on and technically capable
• Quality-driven
• A proactive problem solver
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about precision engineering

Why join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering business where you'll support the manufacture of innovative, high-precision products supplied to customers worldwide.

Working within a highly skilled Toolroom team, you'll contribute to prototype development, tooling manufacture and continuous improvement while enjoying long-term career development opportunities.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional 3 days' leave over the festive period
• Company bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and career development

Interested?

If you're an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist, Precision Machinist or Service Centre Operator looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.

Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.