Head machinist (cnc)

Want to make parts for spaceships?

If you are a machinist and you want to see your parts flaying into outer space, apply to this position!

• Work on the latest 5-axis CNC machines
• Experiment with tooling and software
• Receive generous training - we're here to help you grow
• We pay above market rate

We're looking for machinists with a growth mindset, rather than having all the skills. If you don't yet have all the skills below don't be afraid to apply.

Company Description

Isembard Milton Keynes is a precision engineering company and part of the Isembard network, one of the fastest-growing manufacturing startups in the UK.

We are building a new kind of manufacturing business: one that combines high-quality precision engineering, modern software, fast turnaround, and scalable production.

Our customers are building rockets, robotics, advanced energy systems and high-performance engineering products.

We are building the manufacturing infrastructure for the future — bringing advanced manufacturing capability back to the West and creating a network of high-performing, technology-enabled production sites.

We are now hiring our first machinist for the Milton Keynes site. This is a key founding role.

Salary

Highly competitive - beating market rate.

Role Description

The Head CNC Machinist is a full-time, on-site role based in Milton Keynes.

You will be responsible for leading day-to-day CNC machining operations at the new site, including both milling and turning work an the latest high spec machines. This is a hands-on role: you will be setting, programming, proving out, and operating CNC machines to produce precision components to specification.

You will work with both a CNC turn-mill center and a 5-axis machining centre, helping us establish strong machining processes, reliable quality standards, and a high-performance workshop culture from day one.

Your responsibilities and learning experience will include:

• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and engineering specifications
• Programming, setting, and operating CNC machines
• Proving out new jobs and validating technical requirements
• Troubleshooting machining issues
• Optimising feeds, speeds, tooling, and cycle times
• Using precision measurement equipment to verify parts
• Improving process reliability
• Working under an AS9100-based quality system
• Maintaining equipment and helping minimise downtime
• Supporting the founding team in scaling the Milton Keynes site

Growth Expectation

This is not a standard machinist role.

At the beginning, you will be responsible for helping us get the site operational at full capacity, running both turning and 5-axis milling work. You will learn how to operate within Isembard’s quality and production systems.

Over the next two years, you will play a central role in scaling the production site. This will include deploying new automation technologies, improving manufacturing processes, supporting new hires, and becoming a core technical leader within the business.

You will also have access to learning opportunities through the wider Isembard network, including collaboration with other sites, technical knowledge sharing, and annual Isembard conferences.

We are looking for someone who wants ownership, responsibility, and the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work.

Ideal Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of CNC machining experience, with strong hands-on experience in setting, process prove-out, and precision component manufacture.

Experience across both CNC turning and 5-axis milling is required. CAM programming experience is also strongly preferred.

In particular:

• +5 years hands-on experience in CNC machine setting and process prove-out
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD/CAM outputs, and engineering specifications
• Proven ability to take a part from STEP file to finished, inspected product without hand-holding
• Experience validating jobs against technical and quality requirements
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools, including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and related inspection equipment
• Experience working under quality procedures or formal quality standards
• Strong troubleshooting ability across tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining strategy
• +2 years of CAM programming experience in Hypermill, Mastercam, Fusion, Siemens NX or equivalent. We care about the output, not the software
• Experience with complex turning and/or simultaneous 5-axis machining
• Experience with probing, automation or pallet systems
• Good understanding of workshop safety, risk assessments, and safe machine operation
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to communicate clearly with production, engineering, and quality teams
• Experience with Fanuc CNC control systems is ideal
• Meticulous attention to details

We invite you to apply even if you don't have all the above experiences, but you are eager to learn and grow.

Interview Process

1) Submit your CV and a short note on yourself and your background

2) Initial phone call or in-person interview.

3) CAM programming exercise.

4) Final interview.

Why join us ?

This is an opportunity to be the first key technical hire at a new precision manufacturing site.

You will not just be operating machines. You will help shape the way the site runs, the standards we build around, and the team we grow over time.

We are looking for someone who is ambitious, practical, detail-oriented, and excited by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.