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Job Description
We are looking for a practical, reliable and detail-oriented person to join our machine shop and take responsibility for our Wire EDM operation. Experience with Wire EDM is a bonus, but it is not essential. Full training will be provided for the right person. This role would suit someone with a good mechanical understanding, a positive attitude, and an interest in precision machining, toolmaking, CNC equipment and manufacturing. We are open to experienced machinists, junior machinists, recent graduates, apprentices, or younger staff who want to learn and build a long-term skillset. About the role Wire EDM is a precision machining process that uses a fine electrically charged wire to cut metal very accurately. It is commonly used in toolmaking, mould making, precision engineering and manufacturing parts that are difficult to machine by normal cutting methods. In this role, you will learn how to prepare jobs, set up material, load cut programs, run the Wire EDM, remove parts and slugs, carry out basic maintenance, and keep the machine running as efficiently as possible. Over time, you will also learn how to create and prepare cut files for Wire EDM. This is a low-volume, high-mix environment, so the work is varied. We make precision parts rather than running the same job every day. Main responsibilities Your responsibilities will include: Setting up material and fixing stock to workholding Loading, setting and running Wire EDM programs Removing slugs and finished parts after cutting Keeping the EDM running for as much productive time as possible Sequencing and scheduling jobs, including setting up programs to run outside normal working hours where suitable Checking work against drawings and instructions Keeping records updated in our internal system Taking photos and videos of work for internal records and customer updates Cleaning and preparing parts after EDM Using a surface grinder, with training provided Using a bandsaw to cut material to length Receiving, sorting, labelling and packing orders Printing shipping labels and preparing finished orders for dispatch Ordering or requesting materials and consumables when required Maintaining a clean, tidy and organised work area Equipment maintenance Training and manuals will be provided, but the role will also include basic EDM maintenance such as: Ordering and replacing EDM wire Ordering and replacing deionisation resin Replacing guides Replacing energiser plates General cleaning and routine machine care Helping identify issues and improvements to keep the equipment running well Useful experience The following experience would be helpful, but not all are required: Understanding of G-code CNC machining experience EDM experience Milling experience Programming or proving out milling programs Workholding and fixture setup Reading technical drawings Use of measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers and gauges General machine maintenance Surface grinding Toolmaking or precision engineering experience What we are looking for The right person will be: Hard working and reliable Practical and mechanically minded Detail-oriented Willing to learn Able to follow instructions carefully Able to keep a clean and tidy workplace Comfortable taking on new challenges Punctual and dependable Proud of producing accurate, high-quality work Interested in helping the company succeed Able to work independently once trained, while asking for help when needed Training and progression Training will be provided. For the right candidate, we expect that: Within the first 2 weeks, you will be using the equipment under your own control for straightforward work Within the first month, you will be carrying out basic maintenance tasks Within the first 2 months, you should be largely autonomous in the role and able to ask for assistance when needed Initially, the role will require dedicated time during the working day for training. Once competent, there may be flexibility to arrange working times in a way that helps maximise machine output, including setting suitable jobs to run outside standard hours. We will support you with training, documentation, process improvements, workholding improvements and calibration improvements so that the job becomes as smooth and repeatable as possible while maintaining the quality of our precision parts. About us We are a precision manufacturing business producing specialist parts in a low-volume, high-mix environment. The work is varied, technical and hands-on. The business has 50:50 male/female ownership, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for the right attitude and practical ability, not just a long list of previous job titles. How to apply Please send your resume and include a short note telling us: What attracts you to this role What relevant skills or experience you have What you would bring to the team Why you are interested in learning Wire EDM and precision machining