Mazco Recruitment are currently working with a leading precision engineering company in Welwyn Garden City who are looking to appoint an experienced CNC Miller Team Leader / Hypermill Programmer to lead their advanced milling department.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior machining professional to take ownership of a high-end milling cell focused on 5-axis machining, automation, and lights-out production.

The Milling Department

The department consists of four Mazak machines, including:

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3 × Mazak i600 5-axis machining centres

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1 × Mazak VCN vertical machining centre

The 5-axis machines are equipped with 140-tool magazines and are connected to a 40-pallet automated loading system, allowing for high levels of automation and unmanned machining.

The company has a strong focus on lights-out manufacturing, so previous experience working in an automated, high-efficiency production environment is essential.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the milling department and managing the production team, ensuring efficient machine utilisation and high-quality output.

You will work closely with the Operations Manager to schedule production across the machines, organise workflow, and maintain optimal productivity.

This is both a technical and leadership role, requiring strong programming knowledge alongside the ability to support and develop the shopfloor team.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead and manage the milling department and production team

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Schedule work across the Mazak i600 5-axis machines and Mazak VCN

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Develop and optimise machining strategies and NC programs

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Program complex components using Hypermill CAM software

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Support machinists with prove-outs, setup optimisation, and technical troubleshooting

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Improve and refine existing NC programs for efficiency and reliability

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Maintain high standards of automation, lights-out production, and process stability

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Work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure production targets are achieved

Candidate Requirements

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10+ years CNC milling experience in a precision engineering environment

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Strong experience with 5-axis machining

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Proficiency with Hypermill CAM software (essential)

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Experience working with Mazak machining centres

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Knowledge of modern tooling, high-speed machining strategies, and advanced machining techniques

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Experience working in lights-out / automated manufacturing environments

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Ability to lead and support a machining team

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Hands-on approach with the ability to assist on the shopfloor when required

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Apprenticeship-trained machinists are highly desirable

Salary & Package

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£55,000 - £65,000 per year

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Senior leadership role within a highly advanced machining environment

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Opportunity to lead a modern 5-axis automated milling department