Senior Machinist

Job description:

Are you an experienced CNC machinist who enjoys solving complex manufacturing problems and working as part of a collaborative team? We’re looking for a Senior Machinist to join our Operations Team, operating and programming a range of high-end CNC milling, turning and grinding platforms and supporting advanced manufacturing and research projects with major academic and industrial partners.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be a hands-on CNC operator/programmer on the shop floor, working within Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) to deliver high-quality high value project work.

You will:

• Operate and program CNC machine tools (with opportunities to train on new platforms such as CNC grinding)
• Set up projects and equipment, selecting specialist tooling, work-holding and fixtures
• Provide technical advice and practical support to colleagues, including mentoring less experienced machinists
• Collect machining/manufacturing and dynamic data for research projects, supporting Project Engineers and Managers
• Plan working methods and sequences, prioritising deadlines while maintaining quality
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for projects, machine tools and equipment
• Support general workshop and machine tool maintenance
• Uphold excellent Health & Safety and 5S standards, ensuring a clean, safe, well-organised workshop
• Contribute to IPT meetings with shop-floor updates, progress and data insights

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring strong machining capability, a careful eye for detail, and the communication skills needed to work effectively across project teams. You should have:

• HNC (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience
• Confidence operating a variety of CNC milling, turning and grinding machines
• Strong knowledge of H&S procedures in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with measurement techniques (including on-machine measurement)
• Proven ability to keep clear, up-to-date records and documentation
• Evidence of work-holding/fixture solutions (engineering drawings, CAD models, and understanding of clamping/damping effects)
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement

Desirable: experience with CNC grinding platforms and/or CAD/CAM (e.g., Siemens NX, CATIA), GD&T interpretation, or engineering drawing examples.

What we offer

Alongside the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, we offer:

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days), with the option to buy more
• Flexible working opportunities (where applicable)
• A generous pension scheme
• Discounts and rewards across shopping, eating out and travel
• Staff networks and Recognition Awards
• A strong commitment to your development (including a Technical Career Route) and family-friendly policies

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

Recruitment information

It is anticipated that interviews will take place on 30/01/2026 and will include an interview and a tour of the facility. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to selection stage in the week commencing 09/02/2026. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please contact lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk.

For informal enquiries, contact Lewis Nicholson, Workshop Manager: lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk | 0785110490.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to interview.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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