Senior CNC Programmer

Location: Rugby, UK

Salary: -17.00 - -20.00 per hour (DOE)

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00am - 4:00pm | Friday, 7:00am - 12:00pm

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Overtime: Available and often encouraged (subject to discretion)

Impact Recruitment is proud to be recruiting for a highly skilled Senior CNC Programmer to join a fast-paced precision breakdown machine shop based in Rugby. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist and programmer with strong technical expertise and team leadership capabilities.

The Role:

As Senior CNC Programmer, you will oversee the programming, setup, and operation of CNC Milling Centres (Siemens controls), while also supervising a small team of machinists within a dynamic engineering environment. The position involves both hands-on machining and leadership responsibilities, particularly in responding to urgent breakdown jobs where precision and adaptability are critical.

Key Responsibilities:

CNC Programming & Operation:

• Program, set up, and operate Siemens CNC Milling Centres to produce high-precision components.
• Modify and optimise CNC programmes using offline tools such as Fusion 360 (preferred).
• Supervise the use of manual lathes and milling machines as required.

Team Leadership & Coordination:

• Support and guide a team of machinists to ensure quality and output targets are met.
• Allocate tasks, prioritise urgent work, and maintain efficient workflow in a busy breakdown environment.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative working atmosphere on the shop floor.

Quality Assurance & Inspection:

• Perform quality checks using micrometers, vernier calipers, height gauges, and other measuring instruments.
• Ensure that all machining work meets the specified tolerances and engineering standards.

Problem Solving & Adaptability:

• Troubleshoot programming, setup, and machining issues as they arise.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities, urgent breakdown work, and production challenges.

Health & Safety:

• Enforce health and safety standards and ensure PPE compliance.
• Maintain a safe and organised workshop environment.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Keep accurate records of CNC programmes, tooling, production runs, and maintenance.
• Provide regular updates to the Operations Manager regarding team performance and job status.

Skills & Experience Required:

Extensive experience in CNC machining, programming, and operation (Siemens controls essential).

Confident using offline programming software (Fusion 360 preferred).

Familiarity with manual machining equipment (lathes and milling machines).

Proven leadership ability or supervisory experience within a machine shop environment.

Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in reactive and breakdown-based machining.

Excellent communication and team coordination skills.

Competent in reading engineering drawings and using precision measuring instruments.

Desirable:

Experience with other CNC control systems such as FANUC or Heidenhain.

Basic welding knowledge is advantageous.

Formal engineering qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 in Machining or Mechanical Engineering.