CNC Setter / Operator

Purpose:

To safely set, operate, and maintain multi-axis CNC and waterjet cutting machinery to produce high-precision, complex components to tight tolerances. Operating within a low-volume, high-value advanced manufacturing environment, the CNC Setter / Operator ensures optimal machine performance, maintains cut quality, and minimizes cycle times while supporting the delivery of precision-engineered solutions across safety-critical industries.

About the Role:

• Set up, load, CNC machines including waterjet CNC cutting machinery to manufacture complex precision components.
• Load, edit, and call up CNC programs at the machine control screen (incorporating FANUC/G-code controls).
• Perform machine setup, nozzle/orifice changes, abrasive feed adjustments, and material positioning/clamping.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to determine cutting parameters and tolerances.
• Perform first-off inspections, part measurements, and continuous monitoring during production runs.
• Optimise pressure, abrasive flow rates, feeds, and cut-quality speeds to minimise taper and improve cycle times.
• Collaborate with engineering, programming, and quality teams to resolve cut quality or nesting issues.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance on waterjet equipment (e.g., pump maintenance, focus tube replacement, water quality checks).

Ensure all cutting activities are completed safely and in line with quality standard

About You:

Technical Competencies

• CNC & Waterjet Programming / Setup:
  • Ability to set up, load, and call up programs on 3-axis and 5-axis waterjet CNC cutting machines.
  • Practical proficiency with machine control interfaces, incorporating FANUC controls and G-code editing.
• Cutting Parameter Optimization:
  • Expertise in fine-tuning waterjet-specific variables—such as pressure, feed rates, abrasive flow rates, nozzle/orifice selection, and cut-quality speeds—to minimize taper, optimize cycle times, and achieve desired edge finishes.
• Blueprint & Technical Data Literacy:
  • Advanced reading and interpretation of engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Quality Assurance & Inspection:
• Proficiency in using precision measurement tools (micrometers, feeler gauges, dedicated fixtures) to perform first-off inspections, part verifications, and continuous in-process quality monitoring.Preventative & Routine Maintenance:
  • Competence in performing basic mechanical maintenance on high-pressure waterjet equipment, including focus tube replacements, pump maintenance, and water quality assessments.
• Operational & Execution Competencies
  • Material Handling & Fixturing:
    • Practical experience in material positioning, clamping, and handling diverse material types (metals, composites, stone, or plastics) to prevent distortion or damage during low-volume, high-value production runs.
  • Root-Cause Troubleshooting:
    • Methodical approach to identifying, diagnosing, and resolving machining anomalies, cut-quality defects, tooling wear, swarf/debris build-up, or CAD/CAM nesting issues.
  • Safety & Standards Compliance:
    • Strict adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines, environmental standards, and quality management protocols required in safety-critical manufacturing environments.
• 3. Behavioral & Soft Competencies
  • Precision & Detail Orientation:
    • High commitment to accuracy and rigor when working to tight tolerances on complex components.

EXPERIENCE 

Essential

• Machine Operation: Hands-on experience setting, loading, and operating 3-axis and/or 5-axis CNC machines, with specific emphasis on waterjet cutting machinery.
• Controls & Programming: Practical working knowledge of machine control screens, loading, calling up, and editing CNC programs (FANUC controls and G-code).
• Setup Execution: Proficiency in physical machine setups, including material clamping/positioning, nozzle/orifice changes, abrasive feed adjustments, and fine-tuning cutting parameters (pressure, feed rates, edge finish grades) to minimize taper.

Desirable

• Experience operating CMS CNC machinery and Waterjet Multicam 3000 series.
• Basic offline programming or CAD/CAM software knowledge (e.g., FlowMaster,
• OMAX, IGEMS).
•  Experience within automotive, aerospace, defence, motorsport, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• High-pressure pump setup or routine maintenance experience.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles. 

Attributes

• Precision-Focused & Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates high precision and meticulous attention to detail when machining complex, high-value components to tight tolerances and strict quality standards.
• Technical & Analytical Aptitude: Strong ability to interpret complex technical data, including engineering drawings, CAD models, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Hands-On & Practical: Direct, practical capability in setting up machinery, mounting fixtures, changing nozzles/orifices, handling diverse materials (metals, composites, plastics, stone), and managing high-pressure cutting setups.
• Proactive Problem-Solver: Takes an analytical approach to troubleshooting cut-quality issues, taper errors, swarf build-up, and tooling wear.
• Quality & Safety Minded: Committed to maintaining high safety standards and adhering strictly to quality control, performing first-off inspections and ongoing part checks.
• Collaborative Communicator: Works effectively across multidisciplinary teams, liaising with engineering, programming, and quality personnel to optimize nesting, cycle times, and production efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactively seeks ways to optimize speeds, feeds, and abrasive flows to reduce cycle times, with an understanding of Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S).

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner.  We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers’ supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer.  Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon.   Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work.  Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit.  We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart.  We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.  We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it’s your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you ‘you’ - it is your talent and potential that we value most.  Adjustments for you:  We want you to perform at your best.  If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.  We are here to support you.