We are supporting a manufacturing business on a hands-on CNC engineering role, focused on developing, proving, and optimising machining processes directly on the shop floor.
This is not a traditional desk-based CAM role, and it is not sales or pre-sales focused. The position sits at the heart of machining performance, owning CNC methods from customer drawing through offline programming, prove-out, and into stable production.
The remit is to deliver robust, repeatable and cost-effective machining processes, with a strong emphasis on cycle time improvement, process stability, and continuous improvement at the machine.
What the role involves
- Developing high-quality offline CNC programs for complex components, including multi-axis machining
- Creating CAD models and defining machining strategies, tooling, fixtures, and setup documentation
- Leading prove-outs, cutting trials, and process optimisation on the shop floor
- Troubleshooting machining issues such as chatter, tool wear, dimensional variation, and alarms
- Embedding improvements into standard methods rather than firefighting recurring problems
- Applying lean and continuous improvement principles to CNC processes (e.g. time studies, waste reduction, setup optimisation)
- Working closely with tooling suppliers, production teams, and engineering stakeholders
- Supporting new machine introductions and capability development
- Providing accurate cycle times and technical input to support bids and planning
What we’re looking for
This role will suit an engineer who:
- Has strong CNC machining and CAM experience (e.g. Powermill or similar)
- Is comfortable moving between offline programming and hands-on shop-floor involvement
- Enjoys improving processes at source rather than producing CAM programs in isolation
- Has a solid understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, materials, and tolerances
- Is confident supporting prove-outs, early production, and technical problem-solving
- Values repeatability, robustness, and continuous improvement
Backgrounds often aligned with this role include:
- CNC Machinists who have transitioned into CAM / process engineering
- Manufacturing or Production Engineers with deep machining expertise
- CNC Applications or Process Engineers in low-volume, high-complexity environments
Why consider this role?
- Genuine shop-floor influence and technical ownership
- Opportunity to work on complex components and advanced machining
- A role focused on process improvement and stability
- Long-term opportunity to shape machining capability within the business
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Consultant
Megan McConnell
At Jackson Hogg, Megan specialises in Manufacturing/Engineering appointments across the North East, looking at roles from Engineer to Manager level with a Process, NPD, or Production Engineering focus. Megan joined Jackson Hogg in 2021, bringing over five years of prior recruitment experience. Before returning to her operational roots, Megan spent four years within the Research team, where she worked on global retained search projects and market research initiatives across a wide range of STEM sectors. Outside of work, Meg's loves to keep busy and is often out with her friends or travelling.
Team Leader - Operations & Manufacturing
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