Job Title: Milling Programmer / Setter / Operator

Company: WKW Precision Engineering Ltd Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire Hourly Rate: £17.50 - £19.80 Experience Dependant

Employment Type: Full-time

Shift Pattern: Day Shift – 38 hours per week

Working Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
• Friday: 7:00am – 1:00pm

Job Description

WKW Precision Engineering Ltd is seeking an experienced Milling Programmer / Setter / Operator to join our precision machining team on a day shift basis. This role is suited to a skilled CNC machinist with strong experience programming, setting, and operating 3 and 4 Axis vertical milling machines using Heidenhain controls.

The position involves machining high-precision components, including work with exotic and difficult-to-machine materials such as Inconel and Nitronic, to exacting quality and tolerance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Program new CNC milling jobs directly at the machine using Heidenhain machine control
• Set and operate vertical milling machines
• Load, prove, edit, and optimise CNC programs
• Accurately set up and load fixtures, vices, and tooling
• Machine components from a range of materials, including Inconel, Nitronic, stainless steels, and other high-spec alloys
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Select appropriate tooling, feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies for exotic materials
• Carry out first-off and in-process inspection to ensure full quality compliance
• Maintain tight tolerances and high surface finish standards
• Identify and resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised working environment
• Comply with all company health, safety, and quality procedures

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a CNC Milling Programmer / Setter / Operator
• Strong working knowledge of Heidenhain CNC control systems
• Experience operating vertical milling machines
• Ability to program at the machine
• Experience machining exotic or hard-to-machine materials such as Inconel or Nitronic
• Confident in fixture setup, tooling selection, and work offset setting
• Strong understanding of cutting tools and advanced machining practices
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances
• Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable (but Not Essential)

• Experience with one-off, prototype, or small batch production
• Background in precision or high-integrity industries (aerospace, oil & gas, medical, motorsport)
• Knowledge of continuous improvement or lean manufacturing techniques

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Stable day shift working pattern (38 hours per week)
• Early finish on Fridays
• Modern, well-equipped machining environment
• Long-term career opportunity within a respected precision engineering company