CNC Machining lead - Exeter

Job Title: CNC/CAM Machinist – Exeter

Location: Exeter
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive

Role Overview:

Program, set and run advanced CNC machines to deliver high-precision components for aerospace, defence, energy and robotics customers.

Act as the technical authority in a new, fast growing CNC factory. You will own the full machining lifecycle — from CAM programming and first article prove-out to cycle time optimisation and repeat production — helping build one of the most efficient factory in the network.

You will be responsible for growing out a team of technical individuals to program, machine and operate a fleet of CNC machines.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone who takes pride in tight tolerances, clean setups, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program, simulate and optimise CNC toolpaths (Range of CNC machines)
• Set, prove-out and run jobs to aerospace and defence standards
• Reduce cycle times and improve machine utilisation
• Design and improve fixturing strategies
• Select tooling and cutting parameters for challenging materials (e.g. aluminium, steels, titanium, Inconel)
• Maintain high quality standards and ensure first-time-right manufacturing
• Support new part introduction (NPI) from drawing to production
• Contribute to DFM feedback for customers
• Work closely with engineering and MasonOS software teams to improve data capture, scheduling and automation

Required Skills:

• Strong CAM programming experience (e.g. Fusion, Hypermill, Mastercam or equivalent)
• Proven ability to machine tight tolerances (±0.01mm and below where required)
• Deep understanding of feeds, speeds, tooling strategy and workholding
• Experience in aerospace, defence or other high-spec industries preferred
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, high-ownership environment
• Ability to lead, inspire and grow a team of technical individuals

Nice To Haves:

• 5-axis simultaneous machining experience
• Experience with probing, automation or pallet systems
• Knowledge of AS9100 / ISO9001 quality systems
• Interest in robotics, factory automation and data-driven manufacturing

What We Offer:

• Be the technical authority in a highly digitalised, growing CNC factory
• Work on mission-critical aerospace and defence components
• Access to advanced machine tools and evolving automation
• High-performance culture focused on continuous improvement

About Isembard:

Isembard is on a mission to forge industrial acceleration. We enable faster and cheaper products to be made for critical industries by combining advanced machine tools, robotics and our proprietary software, MasonOS. The components we manufacture are used in aerospace, defence, energy and other strategically important sectors.

Our values:

• If not now, when
• Follow the five maxims
• Humour and humility