CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator

CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator High Precision Manufacturing | Pontypool, South Wales
Salary: £22 per hour
Working Hours: 39 hours per week, with flexible working hours between 6.00am and 5.00pm and an early finish on Fridays
Benefits: 34 days' holiday, Simplyhealth, Employee Assistance Programme, pension scheme and free on-site parking
The Opportunity I am currently recruiting for an experienced CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator to join an established precision engineering and manufacturing business based in Pontypool, South Wales.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled CNC professional with a strong background in complex multi-axis machining and the manufacture of high-precision, tight-tolerance components.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the machining process from offline programming and process development through to machine setting, prove-out, production and continuous improvement. You will play a key role in ensuring components are manufactured to exacting standards, whilst improving machining efficiency, reliability and overall performance.
I am keen to speak with candidates who combine advanced programming knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach to setting and operating 5-axis CNC machining centres.
Key Responsibilities CNC Programming & Process Development

• Develop, program and optimise 5-axis CNC machining programmes using CAM software.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.
• Select appropriate cutting strategies, tooling and machining parameters for a range of materials.
• Generate collision-free toolpaths and simulate machine kinematics to ensure safe and efficient machining.
• Edit and optimise G-code directly at the machine where required.
• Develop machining processes for complex, high-precision components.

Machine Setting & Setup

• Carry out complete CNC machine setups, including workholding, fixture selection, tooling, presetting, offsets, datum setting and probing routines.
• Configure machines for simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 positional machining.
• Prove out programmes and ensure repeatable, stable and reliable machining processes.
• Ensure machines are correctly prepared for efficient and accurate production.

CNC Operation & Production

• Set and operate 5-axis CNC machining centres to manufacture precision-engineered components.
• Carry out first-off inspections and validate component conformity against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Monitor machining processes to maintain tight tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve machining issues to minimise downtime and scrap.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, safety and housekeeping.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life and machining efficiency.
• Implement best-practice machining techniques and contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Support the standardisation of machining processes and the maintenance of technical documentation.
• Assist with the introduction of new products, from prototype development through to production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and quality teams to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturing performance.

Quality & Compliance

• Manufacture components in line with strict dimensional tolerances and quality requirements.
• Use appropriate precision measurement and inspection equipment to verify component conformity.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, engineering specifications and applicable ISO quality standards.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in CNC 5-axis programming, setting and operation within a precision engineering or high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of CAM programming software and the ability to develop and optimise complex machining programmes.
• Strong understanding of multi-axis machining strategies, tooling technologies and cutting dynamics.
• Experience machining a variety of materials and selecting appropriate tooling and cutting parameters.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.
• Experience manufacturing high-precision, tight-tolerance components.
• Knowledge of workholding, fixturing, probing, datum setting and machine offsets.
• Ability to prove out programmes, edit G-code and troubleshoot machining issues independently.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and continuous improvement skills.
• A proactive, methodical approach with the ability to work independently and take ownership of the machining process.

Highly desirable: Experience working with Mazak CNC milling machines or similar CNC machining equipment.
What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• 34 days' annual holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Flexible working hours between 6.00am and 5.00pm.
• Early finish on Fridays.
• Simplyhealth benefits.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• The opportunity to work on complex, high-precision engineering projects within a specialist manufacturing environment.

Interested? If you are an experienced CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator looking for your next opportunity in precision engineering, I would love to hear from you.
Please send your up-to-date CV to or call me on for a confidential discussion.
I look forward to hearing from you!

INDBSO