CNC Machinist jobs in the United Kingdom
Precision manufacturing roles focused on set-up, safe operation, and measurement. Typical environments: machining centres, turning centres, small-batch precision, or production runs with tight tolerances.
Role story (UK context)
In many UK precision workshops, “CNC Machinist” means you are trusted with the last mile: converting drawings into conforming parts, protecting the machine, and proving the result with measurements. Employers value calm, repeatable habits—clean set-ups, correct offsets, and checks at the right moments rather than “hero fixes” at the end.
Gross pay & contract snapshot
| Item | Typical expectation (gross) |
|---|---|
| Annual pay band | ~£31,000–£43,000 per year (scope/region/shift dependent) |
| Hourly band | ~£14–£20 per hour (often higher with nights/overtime) |
| Hours | Commonly 37–48 hours/week depending on site and shift rotation |
| Overtime | Frequently available around demand spikes; rates are contract-specific |
All figures are indicative and shown as gross (before tax). Real offers depend on machine type (mill/turn), control, materials, tolerance level, and whether you do full set-up or also edit programs.
What you will do (day-to-day)
- Set tools, establish offsets, and run parts safely to drawings and route cards.
- Control quality with in-process checks: dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, and critical features.
- Make controlled adjustments (feeds/speeds, offsets) within approved limits to keep parts in spec.
- Record results: scrap reasons, tool life, handover notes, and measurement evidence when required.
- Maintain a clean, safe workstation: swarf control, coolant awareness, and basic machine care.
Requirements (detailed)
| Must-have | Proof / examples that strengthen your CV |
|---|---|
| CV in English | Machines, controls, materials, and tolerance examples listed clearly |
| Drawing interpretation | Experience with GD&T basics, datum thinking, and feature criticality |
| Measurement confidence | Micrometer/vernier/bore gauge use; recording results; first-off checks |
| Safe working habits | PPE discipline; guarding awareness; clean set-ups; correct clamping |
| Shift readiness | Examples of days/rotating shifts; clean handovers; reliability |
Nice-to-have (role-dependent)
- Experience with Fanuc / Siemens / Heidenhain controls; basic edits at the machine.
- Multi-axis exposure (4/5-axis) or complex set-ups requiring fixture discipline.
- First article inspection routines, CMM exposure, or structured quality documentation.
- Tooling knowledge: inserts, holders, tool life management, and repeatable changeovers.
Short candidate portrait
This role fits candidates who are methodical, measurement-driven, and comfortable being accountable for quality at the machine. If you are the person a team trusts to “make it repeatable,” you are in the right lane.
- Mindset: checks early, adjusts calmly, documents what matters
- Strengths: drawing discipline, clean set-ups, stable output
- Work style: consistent pace, tidy station, clear handovers
- Communication: short, practical English for safety and reporting
How hiring usually works (practical)
- CV screen: machines/controls + set-up scope + measurement evidence.
- Technical conversation: drawings, tolerances, offsets, scrap control, safe habits.
- Skills check (often): a short test piece, measurement tasks, or supervised run.
- Offer stage: shift pattern, overtime rules, probation, and start date alignment.
Tip: if you have photos of parts you produced (no customer data), note it in your CV as “portfolio available on request.”
UK work conditions (high-level, no links)
- Rest break: if you work more than 6 hours/day, you are entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute break (contract decides if paid).
- Daily rest: typically 11 hours rest between working days.
- Weekly hours: normally capped at 48 hours/week on average (commonly averaged over 17 weeks), unless you voluntarily opt out in writing.
- Holiday: statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks paid leave (28 days for a 5-day week), with exact handling of bank holidays defined by contract.
Manufacturing sites may add their own policies for PPE, machine guarding, noise protection, and shift handover rules. Always follow on-site instructions and supervisor guidance.
Tools, machines & controls (examples)
Employers describe the same job in different words. These are common signals used in UK CNC adverts—use them naturally in your CV if they match your experience.
FAQ (CNC Machinist — UK)
Is this role closer to operator, setter, or programmer?
In UK adverts, “CNC Machinist” often sits in the middle: you are expected to set tools, run parts, and prove quality with measurements. Programming may be handled by a programmer, but some sites expect basic edits and offset control at the machine.
What is the most common reason candidates fail a CNC trial?
Usually not speed—it's unsafe habits or weak measurement discipline. Employers look for correct clamping, safe tool changes, controlled offset adjustments, and checking the right dimensions at the right time.
Do I need UK certificates to start?
Many CNC roles prioritize proven shop-floor competence over certificates. However, site-specific rules may require internal safety induction, or evidence of prior training. Your CV should focus on machines, controls, materials, and tolerance examples.
Can non-UK candidates apply for CNC Machinist roles?
Yes, but eligibility matters. Non-UK candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or target roles where the employer can support sponsorship. Sponsorship depends on the employer and the role—there is no universal guarantee.
Related roles in Manufacturing & Industrial
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- TIG Welder (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Fabricator (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Quality Inspector (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Process Engineer (Mid, High sponsorship)