Company Overview
Brown & Hawthorne Engineering Ltd is a specialist provider of precision CNC machining services, working with a wide range of industries including aerospace, medical, motorsport, and industrial engineering. We operate with a highly skilled team of 11 staff and pride ourselves on quality, flexibility, and customer service. As we continue to grow, we are looking to strengthen our leadership team with a dual-role position that bridges hands-on inspection with production oversight.
Role Overview
This is a combined role that will suit an experienced CNC professional with a strong background in quality inspection and a passion for shopfloor leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the consistent quality of machined parts through rigorous inspection processes, while also managing day-to-day production activities on the shopfloor.
The role requires a hands-on, proactive individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, small business environment where flexibility, initiative, and teamwork are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Inspection (Approx. 50%)
* Conduct first-off, in-process, and final inspections of CNC machined components.
* Use a wide range of manual and digital inspection tools, including micrometers, verniers, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM.
* Ensure components meet required engineering drawings, customer specifications, and tolerances.
* Maintain accurate inspection records, NCRs, and quality documentation in line with ISO 9001.
* Work collaboratively with machinists to prevent quality issues and promote best practices.
* Support internal and external audits and manage calibration of inspection equipment.
Shopfloor Management (Approx. 50%)
* Manage daily operations of the CNC shopfloor, ensuring smooth workflow, quality output, and timely delivery.
* Schedule and allocate work across the team based on capacity and customer priorities.
* Provide technical support to machinists, including guidance on setups and machining strategy where necessary.
* Promote and uphold health and safety standards, shopfloor organisation (5S), and general housekeeping.
* Facilitate daily production meetings and drive accountability for performance targets.
* Monitor job progress, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to improve efficiency.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
* 5+ years' experience in CNC precision machining (milling and/or turning).
* Strong knowledge of engineering drawings and GD&T principles.
* Proficient in using inspection equipment and working to tight tolerances.
* Understanding of ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing standards.
* Leadership or supervisory experience in a production environment.
* Ability to prioritise workloads and adapt to changing customer demands.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
Desirable Attributes
* Experience with CMM inspection and/or programming.
* Familiarity with Winmax and Fanuc control systems.
* Formal qualifications (e.g., HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering, Six Sigma, etc.).
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
* Inspection processes are robust, accurate, and contribute to zero-defect delivery.
* Shopfloor runs smoothly, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.
* Team members are supported, informed, and delivering work to the required standards.
* Quality issues are identified early, resolved quickly, and prevented from recurring.
* The company continues to build a reputation for reliability and precision in its machining work.
Benefits
* Competitive salary (based on experience)
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
* Company pension scheme
* Supportive team culture in a growing business
* Ongoing investment in training and skills development
* Free on-site parking
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter to:
If you have any questions about the role before applying, please contact us on
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person