CNC Setter Operator

Role Purpose

We are looking for an experienced CNC Setter/Operator to join our production team in Crewkerne.

The role is responsible for setting and operating Citizen sliding-head CNC machines and CNC grinding machines, producing high-quality components to tight tolerances while maintaining safe, efficient and consistent production.

The successful candidate will take ownership of their machines and components, from setting and tooling through to first-off inspection, in-process quality checks and completion of production records.

Key Responsibilities

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• Set and operate Citizen sliding-head CNC lathes and CNC grinding machines.
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• Carry out full machine setups, including:
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• Selecting and installing cutting tools.
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• Setting workholding, chucks, fixtures and jaws.
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• Establishing machine datums using probing equipment or dial indicators.
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• Select, load and prove CNC programs.
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• Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
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• Edit CNC programs and make appropriate offset and setting adjustments to maintain component dimensions and quality.
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• Adjust tooling, speeds, feeds and offsets to optimise machine performance and cycle times.
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• Carry out first-off inspections and ongoing in-process inspection.
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• Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs to ensure components meet drawing requirements and tight tolerances.
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• Monitor machines during production and identify issues such as tool wear, machine malfunctions or out-of-tolerance components.
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• Undertake in-cycle deburring where required.
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• Record production output, scrap and quality information accurately.
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• Maintain tooling sheets and ensure CNC programs are kept up to date.
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• Identify alternative tooling solutions and put forward improvement ideas.
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• Complete works orders in line with the Kanban system.
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• Ensure any material, quality, tooling or production issues are reported promptly.
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• Ensure material, tooling and gauging are available before setting machines.
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• Carry out routine machine cleaning, checks and basic preventative maintenance in line with TPM requirements.
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• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment, including good 5S standards and correct use of PPE.
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• Participate in the High Performing Team (HPT) and contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.
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• Support other departments where required.
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Quality & Technical Responsibility

The CNC Setter/Operator will take personal ownership of the quality and accuracy of the components produced.

This includes:

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• Approving first-off components.
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• Maintaining consistent in-process inspection.
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• Certifying components against engineering drawings.
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• Making appropriate machine offset and setting adjustments.
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• Proving new CNC programs.
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• Identifying and resolving machining issues before they affect production.
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• Maintaining full production and quality traceability.
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Machine & Process Experience

The role requires practical experience with multi-axis CNC machining, ideally including:

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• Citizen sliding-head lathes
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• CNC grinders
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• Multi-axis CNC machining
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• CNC program selection, proving and adjustment
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• G-code editing, ideally Fanuc
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• Tool selection and setup
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• Workholding and datum setting
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• Precision inspection and measurement
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Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

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• Previous experience as a CNC Setter/Operator.
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• Experience setting and operating sliding-head CNC lathes and/or CNC grinding machines.
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• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
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• The ability to understand and edit G-code, ideally Fanuc.
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• Experience making machine offsets, tooling adjustments and programme amendments.
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• Strong knowledge of precision measurement techniques.
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• Experience using micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs.
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• Good general computer skills.
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• A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing machining and production problems.
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• The ability to work effectively across different CNC machine types and processes.
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• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
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• A flexible approach and willingness to support other areas of the business when required.
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Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

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• Takes ownership of the quality of their work.
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• Has a strong attention to detail.
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• Works safely and consistently.
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• Can work independently while contributing effectively to the wider production team.
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• Is confident diagnosing and resolving CNC machining issues.
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• Can adapt quickly to changes in production requirements.
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• Looks for opportunities to improve tooling, processes, quality and efficiency.
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• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of housekeeping and machine condition.
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Key Measures of Success

Success in the role will be demonstrated through:

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• Consistent production of components to drawing specification and required tolerances.
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• Effective and accurate machine setting.
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• High levels of machine uptime and production efficiency.
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• Accurate first-off and in-process inspection.
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• Effective management of tooling, offsets and CNC programmes.
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• Accurate production and quality records.
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• Good machine housekeeping and preventative maintenance.
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• Positive contribution to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
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• Safe working practices and compliance with site requirements.
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