Machinist Lead Operator/Setter

Job Title: Machinist Lead Operator/Setter

Hours: Your normal hours of work are 7.15 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Thursday, 7.15 am to 12.15 pm Friday.

Company Overview:

Harry Burrows Fabrications is a UK leader in precision fabrication, servicing the Aerospace, Defence, and industrial sectors. Our expertise spans complex welded assemblies, sheet metal fabrication, and on-site installations. We are certified to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and EN 15085 standards, offering customers a comprehensive and quality-driven manufacturing experience.

We are entering an exciting new phase, investing in CNC Milling and CNC Turning capabilities for the first time. As part of this growth, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Machinist Lead Operator/Setter to play a pivotal role in establishing and driving forward our in-house machining operations.

Role Summary:

This is a hands-on, career-defining opportunity for a skilled machinist to join at the ground floor of our new machining department. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and setting CNC milling and turning machines, maintaining equipment and tooling, and ensuring smooth workflow in the machining area.

In addition to day-to-day operations, the role will involve supporting quoting, advising on tooling and methods, and working closely with our leadership team to establish best practices and grow our machining capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Technical

Operate and set CNC milling and turning machines to produce high-quality precision components.

Read, interpret, and work from technical drawings, CAD

models, and job specifications.

Select and set up tooling, fixtures, and work-holding

solutions for efficient machining.

Carry out first-off inspections and ensure parts meet customer and quality requirements.

Maintain machinery, tooling, and cutting equipment, reporting issues promptly.

Monitor production schedules and assist in planning work to meet customer deadlines.

Quoting & Process Development

Assist in reviewing customer drawings and specifications to support job quoting.

Advise on machining methods, tooling requirements, and cycle times.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and optimise setups.

Contribute to developing standard operating procedures for machining processes.

Continuous Improvement & Team Contribution

Play a key role in shaping the machining area as the company grows this new capability.

Support introduction of TPM, 5S/6S, and Lean Manufacturing techniques.

Liaise with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless workflow.

Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

Proven experience as a CNC machinist (milling and/or turning), with strong setting and operating skills.

Ability to interpret technical drawings and CAD models.

Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, and machining best practices.

Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.

Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Desirable

Experience in a precision engineering environment (Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, etc.).

Exposure to programming (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, or similar).

Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles.

Experience supporting quoting and estimating for machining

work.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary (based on experience)

Company pension scheme

Opportunity to shape and grow a brand-new department

Professional development and training opportunities

A supportive, family-owned business culture with over 30 years of success