CNC Miller - Programmer/Setter/Operator in Ilminster, Somerset at Gooch & Housego Ilminster & St. Asaph

Job Title: CNC Milling Operator (with Programming Experience)

About us

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and experienced CNC Milling Operator with strong programming capability to join our manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC milling machines to produce high-quality precision components in line with engineering drawings and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate CNC milling machines (3-axis / 4-axis / 5-axis as applicable)
• Write, edit, and optimise CNC programs using G-code and/or CAM software
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications
• Select appropriate tools, fixtures, and materials for each job
• Perform first-off inspections and in-process quality checks using measuring equipment
• Adjust programs and machine settings to improve accuracy, efficiency, and cycle times
• Carry out routine machine maintenance and troubleshooting
• Work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to meet deadlines
• Ensure all work complies with health & safety and quality standards

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience as a CNC Milling Operator
• Strong CNC programming experience (G-code, conversational programming, or CAM systems)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and tolerances
• Experience working with a range of materials (e.g. aluminium, steel, stainless steel, plastics)
• Competent in the use of measuring tools such as verniers, micrometers, and CMMs
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable Skills

• Experience with specific CNC controls (e.g. Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, Haas)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement techniques
• Experience with complex or tight-tolerance components

Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship or relevant qualification in CNC machining or manufacturing engineering (preferred)

Working Conditions

• Workshop-based role
• Shift work or overtime may be required depending on production needs

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with a 20% uplift for rotating shift work.
• Generous overtime pay: 1.5x after 39 hours and 2x on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
• 25 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Pension contributions: Company pays 6%.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Health Cash Plan to cover medical expenses.
• £500 referral bonus for recommending friends (terms apply).

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.