About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Machining Manufacturing Engineer to support CNC machining strategy development and advanced tooling initiatives within the Special Projects business area, at our Ampthill, Bedfordshire site.

This role will act as a technical focal point for project machining operations, driving manufacturing excellence through optimized CNC programming, fixture design, tooling strategy, and process improvement.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving machining efficiency, reducing cycle times, increasing yield, and supporting the manufacture of high-precision complex components. You will collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to develop robust, scalable machining processes capable of supporting both prototype and production environments.

This is a hands-on technical role requiring deep expertise in multi-axis machining, turning, CAD/CAM programming, advanced workholding solutions, and manufacturing process optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support CNC machining strategy across Special Projects manufacturing operations.
• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centres and lathes.
• Design and implement advanced fixturing and workholding solutions to improve repeatability, precision, and throughput.
• Select and optimize cutting tools, tooling strategies, and machining parameters for a wide range of materials and geometries.
• Drive cycle time reduction, process capability improvement.
• Establish best practices for machining operations, setup reduction, tooling management, and process standardisation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities through Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Machining (DFMach) input.
• Troubleshoot complex machining and tooling issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with Quality teams to ensure compliance with engineering tolerances, inspection requirements, and customer standards.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including setup sheets, tooling lists, process flows, and work instructions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Support capital equipment selection, commissioning, and capability validation for new CNC machinery and automation technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors to evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies and tooling solutions.
• Ensure all machining activities comply with health, safety, and environmental standards.

The successful candidate must be able to achieve the appropriate level (SC) of security clearance. More details can be found here

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Expertise in CNC machining and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with CNC Turning.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and quality improvement tools.
• Expertise with HyperMill CAM software to generate Offline NC programs.
• Solid understanding of MRP systems and experience managing BOMs and routings in SAP (or similar ERP systems).
• Proven ability to drive cultural and process change, improving efficiency and quality.
• A collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.