CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator (CNC Sliding Head)

Overview

Reference
CNC Sliding Head

Salary
£30,000 - £40,000/annum

Job Location
- United Kingdom -- England -- East of England -- Hertfordshire -- Hitchin

Job Type
Permanent

Posted
04 November 2026


CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator

Location: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Salary: £30,000 – £40,000 per annum (including shift allowance)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Shift Pattern: Rotating Early and Late Shifts

About the Role

Interaction Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator to join a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing company based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled CNC engineer with experience setting and operating sliding head machines to join a successful manufacturing business offering long-term stability and career development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for setting, operating and adjusting CNC sliding head machines to produce high-quality precision components while maintaining excellent standards of accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.

  • Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.

  • Setting tools, offsets and making necessary machine adjustments.

  • Reading, understanding and making adjustments to CNC programmes.

  • Producing precision-engineered components to tight tolerances.

  • Carrying out first-off inspections and ongoing quality checks.

  • Using measuring equipment, including micrometers, verniers and gauges.

  • Monitoring machine performance and resolving machining issues.

  • Ensuring production targets and quality standards are consistently achieved.

  • Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.

  • Working closely with the production and engineering teams.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Previous experience setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.

  • Good understanding of CNC turning and precision machining.

  • Experience working with Fanuc controls would be advantageous.

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

  • Confident setting tools, offsets and adjusting CNC programmes.

  • Good knowledge of cutting tools, machining processes and tolerances.

  • Experience using precision measuring equipment.

  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Reliable, hardworking and committed to producing quality work.

Desirable Experience

Experience with any of the following would be beneficial:

  • Citizen sliding head machines.

  • Star sliding head machines.

  • Fanuc CNC controls.

  • CNC programming and programme editing.

  • Precision engineering and small component manufacturing.

  • High-volume or batch production.

  • Machine troubleshooting and process improvements.

Working Hours

Rotating Shift Pattern:

  • Early Shift: 6:00am – 2:00pm

  • Late Shift: 1:30pm – 10:00pm

  • Monday to Friday

  • Early finish on Fridays when working the late shift

Salary & Benefits

  • £30,000 – £40,000 per annum, including shift allowance.

  • Permanent, full-time employment.

  • Established and stable engineering environment.

  • Opportunity to work with precision CNC machinery.

  • Long-term career prospects.

  • Supportive and experienced engineering team.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previously worked as:

  • CNC Sliding Head Setter

  • CNC Sliding Head Operator

  • CNC Sliding Head Programmer

  • CNC Turner / Setter

  • Citizen CNC Setter

  • Star CNC Setter

  • Precision CNC Machinist

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with CNC sliding head machines and be confident setting up and running machines with minimal supervision.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has a strong understanding of precision engineering and is keen to join a business offering long-term stability.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter looking for a new opportunity in Hitchin, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your latest CV or contact:

Michael O'Hare
Interaction Recruitment
Telephone: 01462 670666
Email: michael.ohare@irweb.co.uk

#INDLEI


Contact information

Michael O'Hare