CNC Setter/Operator

Join Our Manufacturing Team

At Beagle Aircraft, we manufacture precision-engineered components and assemblies for some of the world''s leading aerospace programmes.

We''re looking for an experienced CNC Programmer / Setter Operator to join our manufacturing team in Christchurch.

If you''re a time-served CNC engineer who understands machining from the shop floor, enjoys solving technical problems and has experience programming and setting complex CNC components, this is an opportunity to apply your skills within a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.

The Role

You''ll be responsible for programming, proving, setting and operating CNC machines to manufacture complex aerospace components to demanding engineering and quality requirements.

Working closely with Production, Engineering and Quality, you''ll develop and optimise CNC programmes, select tooling and machining strategies, support new product introduction and help improve machining efficiency and Right First Time performance.

Experience with SolidCAM and 5-axis CNC programming would be particularly valuable.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension and healthcare benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday Purchase Scheme and Birthday Leave
• Long service awards and free onsite parking
• Career development opportunities
• Dress down Days

Key Responsibilities

• Create and optimise offline CNC programmes for precision-engineered components.
• Programme, set and operate multi-axis CNC machinery, including 3, 4 and 5-axis machining.
• Select appropriate tooling, workholding, speeds, feeds and machining strategies.
• Prove new and modified programmes and resolve machining or programming issues.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and manufacturing specifications.
• Support tooling and fixture development for new and existing components.
• Work closely with Engineering, Production and Quality to improve machining processes.
• Contribute to NPI, Right First Time and continuous improvement activities.

About You

We''re looking for a practical, time-served CNC professional with strong machining knowledge and the ability to turn engineering requirements into effective manufacturing processes.

You''ll ideally have:

• Time-served CNC machining, production engineering or equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Experience programming and setting CNC milling machines, ideally including 5-axis machining.
• Experience using offline CAM programming software, with SolidCAM experience highly advantageous.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and technical specifications.
• Good understanding of cutting tools, machining methods, workholding, speeds and feeds.
• Experience with Fanuc and/or Heidenhain controls would be advantageous.
• Vericut, CAD modelling, CNC turning or aerospace manufacturing experience would also be beneficial.

Why Join Beagle Aircraft?

You''ll join an experienced manufacturing team producing complex, high-quality components for the aerospace industry.

This is an opportunity to combine your CNC programming and hands-on machining experience, work with complex multi-axis manufacturing technology and contribute directly to improving how our products are manufactured.

If you''re an experienced CNC Programmer, CNC Setter/Operator or time-served CNC Engineer looking for your next opportunity, we''d love to hear from you.