CNC Machinist Specialist in Ampthill, Bedfordshire

CNC Machinist Specialist

Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Permanent, 37.5h, 4 day working week Monday to Thursday

Salary: £38,000 - £47,000

We are looking for a Turning Specialist who will operate, program, and maintain high‑precision CNC Turning machines in a fast‑paced, R&D‑oriented shop. The ideal candidate will bring advanced turning expertise while also being comfortable on multi‑axis milling centres. They will design machining processes, select and optimize tooling, write G‑code, and oversee production of high‑value, low‑volume parts and one‑offs. Participates in daily shop briefings to discuss objectives, issues, and improvement ideas. The role includes mentoring apprentices, collaborating closely with engineering and tooling suppliers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

We pride ourselves on mission focused innovation, where performance excellence is at the heart of everything we do.

We'll provide you with meaningful work that will allow you to grow your skills and enhance your career with us, but equally important to us is that you enjoy a strong work life balance as well.

So if you are interested in joining a growing team working on exciting programme there has never been a better time to apply! We may not know what's going to change the world next, but chances are we're already working on it, and you can be part of the story too!

Required skills, qualifications and experience:

• Program, set up, and run in multi-axis machining methods (3 to 5axis).
• Select, verify, and adjust tooling and fixtures for optimal performance.
• Prove new programs on mock‑ups or dry runs, then transition to final product
• Provide input on tooling/fixture design and collaborate with suppliers on tool optimization.
• Perform dimensional and surface‑quality checks using precision instruments
• Proficiency in Fanuc, Siemens, and Heidenhain control languages.
• Knowledge of multi‑axis machining strategies, tool‑path optimisation, and post‑processing.
• Experience with precision inspection tools (CMM, optical comparators, coordinate measuring equipment).
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems
• Verify that finished components meet or exceed specifications.
• Maintain updated records of tooling, parameters, and measurement results.

Desired Skills

• Experience and or transferable skills to support Milling operations
• Create and refine machining strategies for R&D, prototype, and low‑volume production parts.
• Produce accurate work instructions, process delineations, and change‑order documentation.
• Implement corrective action plans and track the effectiveness of process changes.
• Coordinate with production planners to balance volume and turnaround requirements

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact or call 02392415270

Disclaimer

This vacancy is being advertised by Optamor Limited. Optamor is a specialist Recruitment Process Outsourcing provider. We provide a flexible full recruitment solution which takes care of all recruitment requirements from planning to on-boarding. Our specialist recruitment divisions cover the entire technical arena, including some of the most economically and strategically important industries in the UK and the world today. We will never send your CV without your permission.