Graduate Production Engineer – CAD/CAM & CNC Programmer

Graduate Production Engineer / CAD/CAM Programmer

Lymington, Hampshire | Permanent | Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

Are you a recent Mechanical, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering graduate looking to kick-start your career with a world-class precision engineering business?

TXM Recruit is partnering with a leading aerospace and defence manufacturer to recruit a Graduate Production Engineer / CAD/CAM Programmer.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join an experienced Manufacturing Engineering team where you'll receive structured training, hands-on mentoring and exposure to cutting-edge CNC machining technologies, CAD/CAM programming and advanced manufacturing processes.

Working on precision-engineered components supplied to the aerospace, defence, marine and nuclear sectors, you'll gain invaluable experience while developing the technical skills needed to become a Manufacturing or Production Engineer.

If you're passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, this role offers an excellent foundation for a long-term career.

The Opportunity

As a Graduate Production Engineer, you'll work alongside experienced Manufacturing Engineers and CNC Programmers, learning how products move from customer drawings through to fully machined, high-precision components.

You'll receive structured mentoring and practical training across CAD/CAM programming, CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement, allowing you to develop into a key member of the Engineering team.

This role is ideal for a graduate looking to gain hands-on experience within a highly regulated precision engineering environment where quality, innovation and engineering excellence are at the heart of everything they do.

Key Responsibilities

You'll receive full support and training while gaining experience in:

• Assisting with the creation of CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.
• Supporting the introduction of new products into production.
• Learning to programme, set and prove out CNC machining centres and turning centres.
• Producing manufacturing process plans, routings, and engineering documentation.
• Creating setup sheets, tooling information, and manufacturing instructions.
• Supporting production teams with technical and manufacturing queries.
• Assisting with fixture and tooling design.
• Reviewing manufacturing methods to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing.
• Assisting with root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.

About You

We're looking for enthusiastic engineering graduates who are keen to build a career within advanced manufacturing. You'll ideally have:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Production Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for engineering and manufacturing.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Competent Microsoft Office skills.

Desirable Experience

Whilst not essential, exposure to any of the following would be advantageous:

• CAD or CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, etc.)
• CNC machining or manufacturing processes.
• Engineering drawings.
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.
• Engineering placement year or industrial internship.
• Knowledge of precision machining environments.

Essential Requirements

• Full right to live and work in the UK.
• Must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC). This generally requires applicants to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years and be able to satisfy UK Government security vetting requirements.

You'll work alongside experienced engineers who will mentor and support your professional development, allowing you to build a successful long-term career within manufacturing engineering.

Why Apply?

This is more than just a graduate role; it's an opportunity to launch your career with a respected engineering business that designs and manufactures critical components for some of the world's most demanding industries.

You'll gain exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, work alongside experienced engineers, and develop the technical skills needed to progress into roles such as Manufacturing Engineer, Production Engineer, CAD/CAM Programmer, Process Engineer, or NPI Engineer.

If you're ready to start your engineering career in a challenging and rewarding environment, we'd love to hear from you.