Description
A heritage precision engineering firm in Sheffield, supplying critical navigation and instrument housings for the UK defense sector, is looking for a highly skilled Manual Machinist. We still rely on the irreplaceable skill of manual turning and milling for our low-volume, high-complexity prototype and aerospace runs.
Your daily tasks on the shop floor:
• Operating manual center lathes and vertical/horizontal milling machines to produce intricate components from D16T aluminum, titanium alloys, and hardened stainless steels.
• Interpreting complex, multi-view engineering drawings and holding tight geometric tolerances (down to 0.01mm) on critical mating surfaces.
• Independently grinding and sharpening your own HSS cutting tools to achieve the exact rake and clearance angles required for specific materials.
• Selecting optimal feeds, speeds, and depth of cut to maximize tool life and achieve the specified surface finish (Ra values).
• Performing rigorous self-inspection using micrometers, bore gauges, and vernier calipers before releasing parts to the QA department.
Who we are looking for:
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a manual machinist in an aerospace, defense, or motorsport environment (Time-served or NVQ Level 3 equivalent).
• An intuitive understanding of metallurgy and how different alloys react to cutting forces and heat.
• The patience and pride of a traditional craftsman who treats every part as a one-off masterpiece.
We offer a salary of £42,000 GBP per year, with excellent overtime rates for weekend work. This is a full-time, on-site position in our heated, well-lit machine shop in Sheffield. We provide all hand tools, cutting equipment, and PPE.