Senior CNC Machinist – Precision Tooling & Die Manufacturing

Position: Full-Time

Department: Engineering / Machine Shop

The Opportunity

R12 Talent is recruiting an experienced Senior CNC Machinist for an established manufacturing operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled machinist who enjoys precision engineering, producing custom components, and solving challenging manufacturing problems.

The role involves a combination of CNC programming, precision machining, custom tooling manufacture, Wire EDM, and hands-on production support.

Unlike a typical production machining position, you'll work on a variety of specialist tooling projects, often producing unique components rather than repetitive production runs.

You'll also have the opportunity to share your experience with other machinists, contribute to engineering improvements, and take ownership of complex machining projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines and lathes to manufacture precision components.

• Manufacture custom extrusion dies and specialist tooling from raw material through to finished product.

• Use Mastercam to develop machining programs for complex and one-off components.

• Operate and program CNC equipment, including TRAK lathes and mills.

• Set up and operate Wire EDM equipment, including FANUC systems.

• Perform precision grinding and finishing operations to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes.

• Interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, and technical specifications.

• Work alongside engineering teams to develop practical manufacturing solutions and improve tooling designs.

• Design and manufacture custom workholding fixtures and machining setups.

• Troubleshoot tooling issues and carry out modifications or repairs to support production.

• Use conventional mills and lathes for quick-turn repairs, modifications, and secondary machining operations.

• Maintain high standards of dimensional accuracy using precision inspection equipment.

• Support preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of machine shop equipment.

• Assist with machine shop organization, tooling inventory, and equipment upkeep.

• Provide technical guidance and support to less-experienced machinists.

• Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on machining efficiency, quality, and reducing manufacturing costs.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized working environment.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining and setup experience.

• Strong experience programming and operating CNC mills and lathes.

• Experience with Mastercam or comparable CAM programming software.

• Ability to work independently on complex or one-off machining projects.

• Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, materials, and precision tolerances.

• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.

• Experience using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and optical comparators.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

• Comfortable working with both CNC and conventional machining equipment.

• Ability to solve manufacturing problems with limited supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work with engineers, production teams, and other machinists.

Additional Experience That Would Be Beneficial

Candidates with experience in the following areas would be particularly relevant:

• Wire EDM programming and operation, ideally FANUC

• TRAK CNC mills and lathes

• Custom die manufacturing

• Extrusion tooling

• Tool and die making

• Precision surface grinding

• Custom workholding and fixture design

• Manual milling and turning

• Low-volume or one-off precision machining

• Emergency tooling repairs and modifications

• Welding, brazing, or silver soldering

• Mentoring or training junior machinists

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

• Machining, toolmaking, CNC programming, or related technical training would be beneficial

• Relevant hands-on machining experience is particularly important for this position

The Type of Machinist We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys more than simply loading parts and pressing cycle start.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable taking an engineering drawing or tooling requirement and working out the best way to manufacture the finished component.

You'll need to be confident with CNC programming, machine setup, precision machining, and troubleshooting, while also being flexible enough to support urgent production requirements.

Experience manufacturing custom dies, tooling, fixtures, or specialist components would be particularly valuable.

This position would suit an experienced CNC Machinist, Toolmaker, Tool & Die Maker, CNC Programmer, or Precision Machinist looking for a more varied and technically challenging opportunity.

Working Environment

• Hands-on machine shop and manufacturing environment

• Regular operation of CNC and conventional machining equipment

• Close collaboration with engineering and production teams

• Physical activity including standing, handling materials, and operating machinery

• Commitment to workplace safety, precision, and quality standards

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Varied machining work: Manufacture specialist tooling and custom components rather than repetitive production parts.

• Technical challenge: Work with CNC programming, Wire EDM, precision grinding, and complex tooling.

• Project ownership: Take responsibility for machining projects from initial programming through to final inspection.

• Engineering involvement: Work directly with engineers to develop practical tooling solutions.

• Leadership opportunities: Share your experience and help develop other machinists.

• Hands-on problem-solving: Play an important role in keeping manufacturing equipment and production processes running efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced machinist who takes pride in precision work and wants to apply their skills across a wide range of challenging engineering and manufacturing projects.