Senior Lathe and Milling Machine Operator and Setter – contract

Senior Lathe and Milling Machine Operator and Setter – contract

Hands-on precision, complex metals, and serious responsibility – this contract role puts you right at the heart of a busy manufacturing floor, working with high-spec, lab-related metal components where accuracy isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s non-negotiable.

CORE FOCUS OF THE ROLE

This senior-level role suits someone who lives and breathes machining, enjoys getting stuck in on the floor, and likes being the go-to person when things get tricky. Expect a mix of expert machine work, coaching others, and acting as a solid right hand to the Factory Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Set up and operate lathes and milling machines for production runs in a steel/metal manufacturing environment

Work confidently with highly specialised components with tolerances of 1 mm or less

Interpret technical drawings and specifications to plan and execute machining work accurately

Monitor machining processes, making real-time adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency

Guide, support, and lead operators on the floor, sharing know-how and setting high standards

Assist the Factory Manager as 2IC, stepping in with oversight, prioritisation, and problem-solving when needed

Conduct basic fault-finding and troubleshooting on machines to minimise downtime

Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area in line with manufacturing and safety standards

WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART

This isn’t a “press the green button and walk away” type of setup. The work involves:

Consistent precision on tight-tolerance components for technical applications

A fast-paced, practical environment where decisions are made on the floor, not in a boardroom

Genuine responsibility as second-in-command, with your input shaping how the factory runs day to day

REQUIREMENTS

Solid background in manufacturing, ideally in a steel or metal machining environment

Strong experience setting up and operating both lathes and milling machines – not just basic operation

Proven capability working with products requiring tolerances of 1 mm or less

Hands-on, practical approach – comfortable on the tools and on the floor

Natural leadership ability, with experience guiding and supporting other operators

Confident, calm decision-maker who “knows their game” and can be trusted as 2IC to a Factory Manager