CNC Manufacturing Team Lead – 5 Axis (Defence Engineering)
Ampthill, Bedfordshire | Permanent | 4 Day Week (Mon–Thurs) | £42,550
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist UK defence engineering organisation for a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to join a precision machining facility delivering complex, low-volume components for secure programmes.
This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role within a small, highly skilled machining team.
It would suit either:
* An experienced CNC Team Lead who remains technically strong, or
* A Senior 5-axis Machinist ready to step into leadership
The Environment
You’ll be working with:
* Matsuura, Hurco and Correa machining centres
* 3–6 axis capability (strong bias toward 5-axis milling)
* Fanuc and Heidenhain controls
* Complex one-off and low-volume defence components
This is not high-volume production — it is precision R&D machining within a secure environment.
The Role
You will:
* Lead and support a small team of skilled machinists (approx. 6–10)
* Plan and prioritise workloads in line with programme needs
* Drive safety, quality and on-time delivery performance
* Conduct basic performance reviews and support skills development
* Remain hands-on with programming, setup and prove-out of multi-axis machines
* Support tooling optimisation and process improvement initiatives
This is a working leadership role — strong technical credibility is essential.
What We’re Looking For
* Strong 5-axis CNC milling experience
* Fanuc and/or Heidenhain programming
* Experience machining complex, low-volume components
* Previous leadership, supervisory or mentoring experience
* Background in defence, aerospace or advanced precision engineering
* Active SC clearance (or recently lapsed and eligible for reactivation)
* Must be eligible to obtain DV clearance
What’s on Offer
* 4 day working week (Mon–Thurs)
* Permanent role within long-term defence programmes
* Technically challenging environment
* Opportunity to shape and influence a specialist machining cell
Due to the nature of the programmes, strict security clearance eligibility criteria apply.
If you are an SC-cleared CNC professional looking for a role that combines advanced machining with team leadership responsibility, please apply or contact us for a confidential discussion