Senior CNC Milling Programmer / Setter

📍 Wimborne, Dorset 

💰 Up to £28.00 per hour (£55,328 basic salary)

🕒 Permanent | 4-Day Week | Monday–Thursday (38 Hours)

💷 Overtime Paid at 1.5x Rate (£42.00 per Hour)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior CNC Milling Programmer / Setter to join a well-established precision engineering company serving the aerospace, defence, motorsport and other high-specification manufacturing sectors.

This is a senior-level position with a strong emphasis on CNC programming and machine setup. You'll be responsible for programming, setting and proving out new jobs, creating repeatable manufacturing processes and supporting production by enabling operators to confidently run components once jobs have been prepared.

When new jobs are not being programmed, you'll focus on continuously improving existing machining processes, reducing cycle times and optimising production efficiency. You'll also be responsible for documenting processes so operators of all skill levels can confidently follow and repeat machine setups and production runs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of programming, setting and optimisation of CNC milling machines from new product introduction through to repeat production.

  • Create, prove out and optimise CNC programs for new and existing components.

  • Take ownership of analysing and improving existing machining processes to maximise efficiency, reduce cycle times and support continuous improvement when new jobs are not being programmed.

  • Use offline programming software, preferably Edgecam or Mastercam, to create and optimise CNC programs.

  • Continuously review and optimise existing CNC programs, tooling strategies and machining processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.

  • Create clear setup documentation and standardised machining processes, enabling operators to confidently repeat machine setups and production runs.

  • Conduct first-off inspections and ensure components meet customer specifications.

  • Support less experienced operators by providing technical guidance and ensuring manufacturing processes are fully documented for safe, repeatable production.

  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T and technical specifications.

  • Troubleshoot machining issues and implement corrective actions.

  • Maintain high standards of quality, safety and housekeeping.

Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience programming, setting and operating CNC milling machines.

  • Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and manufacturing processes.

  • Experience with Heidenhain and/or Fanuc controls.

  • Offline programming experience using Edgecam, Mastercam or similar CAD/CAM software is highly desirable. 

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T and engineering tolerances.

  • Experience working within aerospace, defence, precision engineering or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.

  • Strong continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency, quality and process optimisation.

  • Ability to work independently, take ownership of manufacturing processes and produce clear process documentation.

What's on Offer?

✅ Up to £28.00 per hour (£55,328 basic salary)

✅ Four-day working week (Monday–Thursday)

✅ Overtime Paid at 1.5x Rate (£42.00 per Hour) 

✅ Long-term permanent opportunity

✅ Aerospace and high-precision engineering projects

✅ Opportunity to influence manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement

Apply Now

If you're an experienced CNC Milling Programmer / Setter looking for a role where you can take ownership of programming, process improvement and manufacturing excellence, we'd love to hear from you.