Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator

Precision Engineering | Aerospace Manufacturing | Career Progression

Are you an experienced machinist with a passion for precision engineering? Do you take pride in producing high-quality components to the tightest tolerances? If so, we want to hear from you.

We're looking for a Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator to join our growing aerospace manufacturing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on critical aerospace components in a quality-driven environment where your skills and attention to detail will make a real impact.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator, you'll be responsible for machining and refurbishing precision aerospace components, ensuring every part meets stringent industry standards and customer specifications.

Your duties will include:

✅ Setting up and operating Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing equipment

✅ Machining aerospace components to extremely tight tolerances

✅ Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions

✅ Selecting appropriate tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and honing stones

✅ Carrying out in-process and final inspections using:

• Micrometers
• Vernier calipers
• Bore gauges
• Dial indicators
• CMM equipment (where applicable)

✅ Monitoring machine performance and making adjustments to maintain quality standards

✅ Deburring, cleaning, and finishing components

✅ Completing production and quality documentation accurately

✅ Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity

✅ Maintaining a safe and compliant working environment

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Previous experience operating Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing machines
• Background in precision engineering, aerospace, or high-specification manufacturing
• Ability to work confidently to tight tolerances, often within microns
• Strong understanding of machining principles and metal-cutting processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality

Desirable Experience

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards
• Experience working with aerospace materials including:
  • Titanium
  • Inconel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminium Alloys

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing or Machining
• Aerospace-related qualifications or experience would be advantageous

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who is:

• Safety-focused and quality-driven
• Reliable, organised, and dependable
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Capable of working independently and managing their workload
• Flexible with shifts and overtime when required

Why Join Us?

What We Offer:

• Flexible benefits package and development opportunities to support career progression

• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Private medical insurance, mental health support, and financial advice

• Generous life assurance and company pension contribution (from 6%)

• Employee share options, free onsite parking, and EV charging

You'll Benefit From:

• Working on industry-leading aerospace projects
• A supportive and skilled engineering team
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• A modern manufacturing environment with high-quality equipment
• Being part of a business committed to continuous improvement and excellence

Working Environment

This role is based within a busy manufacturing facility and will involve:

• Wearing PPE
• Standing for extended periods
• Manual handling of components and tooling
• Potential shift work depending on business requirements