CNC Programmer

CNC Programmer

Location: Ashford Salary:c£50k per annum (DOE) + overtime/shift premiums + pension

An established precision engineering manufacturer in Ashford is seeking a CNC Programmer to program, set and (where required) operate CNC machines producing tight-tolerance metal components. You'll own the end-to-end machining process-program creation, tooling/fixture selection, prove-out, first-off approval and continuous improvement experience.

The role

• Create, edit and optimise CNC programs (at-machine G-code and/or offline CAD/CAM).
• Set tools, offsets and fixtures; perform safe prove-outs and secure first-off sign-off.
• Select tooling and cutting data to hit tolerance, surface finish and cycle-time targets.
• Read/interpret engineering drawings (incl. GD&T) and customer specs.
• Carry out in-process inspection (micrometers, verniers, bore gauges); complete route cards/FAIRs.
• Drive CI: reduce scrap and rework, improve cycle times, apply 5S/lean.
• Collaborate with Planning/Quality/Maintenance to meet OTIF; share best practice across the cell.

About you

• Time-served apprenticeship or NVQ L3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years' CNC programming & setting in a metalworking environment.
• Proficient on one or more controls: Fanuc / Siemens / Heidenhain / Mazatrol.
• Confident holding tight tolerances (e.g. 0.01 mm) and meeting finish requirements.
• Strong metrology skills and right-first-time mindset.
• Comfortable across common materials (aluminium, stainless, carbon steels; exotics a plus).

Nice to have

• Offline CAD/CAM (e.g., Fusion 360, Mastercam, Edgecam, SolidCAM).
• 4/5-axis or mill-turn experience; probing/macros (e.g., Renishaw).
• CMM exposure; PPAP/FAIR experience; work in regulated sectors (aero/auto/oil & gas/medical).
• Counterbalance/overhead crane ticket.

What's on offer

• Up to £50k base (DOE) + overtime/shift premiums.
• Company pension, paid holidays, and training/progression opportunities.
• Stable, clean, well-equipped shop with investment in tooling and CAM.
• Full-time, site-based in Ashford.

A great opportunitry to join a bouyant and successful precision engineering firm with excellent credentials, client base and appraoch to their employees. This position will suit a highly skilled person with genuine attention to details and a thorough enderstanfing / nastery of CNC machining as an end ot en pprcess from concept to finsished part. If you have a this type of experience and a rel pride in what you do - please apply, we'd like to hear from youCoburg Banks Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.