Manual Machinist
CV-LibraryPortsmouth, ENG, GBpermanentPosted: 29 July 2026
Apply NowAre you an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist or Precision Engineer looking for your next opportunity within a world-class precision engineering environment?
Do you enjoy producing one-off and small batch precision components while working to tight tolerances using manual machine tools?
We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Service Centre Operator (Manual Machinist / Toolroom Machinist) to join their Toolroom team.
This is an excellent opportunity to work on prototype development, tooling manufacture and production support within a business renowned for engineering excellence and innovation.
What's the role all about?
As a Service Centre Operator, you'll be responsible for manufacturing high-precision components using manual milling machines, manual lathes and manual surface grinders.
Working closely with Design Engineers and Production teams, you'll produce tooling, prototypes and precision parts from engineering drawings, ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy are achieved.
This is a varied, hands-on role where your machining expertise will directly support new product development and manufacturing operations.
Key responsibilities
Operate manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders
Manufacture one-off and small batch precision components and tooling
Produce components to tight tolerances from engineering drawings and specifications
Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation
Select appropriate tooling, workholding methods and machining strategies
Carry out machine set-up, alignment and routine maintenance
Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers and dial gauges
Work closely with Design Engineering and Production teams to support prototype and tooling requirements
Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability using the ERP system
Ensure all work is completed in line with company quality standards and Health & Safety procedures
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Toolroom and Manufacturing departments
What you'll need
To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
Proven experience operating:
Manual milling machines
Manual centre lathes
Manual surface grinders
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
Experience working to tight tolerances within a precision engineering environment
Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds
Experience using precision measuring equipment
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components
Desirable
Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship
NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
Background within aerospace, electronics or precision manufacturing
About you
You're a skilled machinist who enjoys producing high-quality precision components and takes pride in your craftsmanship.
You'll be:
Detail-focused and methodical
Hands-on and technically capable
Quality-driven
A proactive problem solver
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
Passionate about precision engineering
Why join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering business where you'll support the manufacture of innovative, high-precision products supplied to customers worldwide.
Working within a highly skilled Toolroom team, you'll contribute to prototype development, tooling manufacture and continuous improvement while enjoying long-term career development opportunities.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Additional 3 days' leave over the festive period
Company bonus scheme
Company pension
Life Assurance (3x salary)
Employee Assistance Programme
Ongoing training and career development
Interested?
If you're an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist, Precision Machinist or Service Centre Operator looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy
Do you enjoy producing one-off and small batch precision components while working to tight tolerances using manual machine tools?
We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Service Centre Operator (Manual Machinist / Toolroom Machinist) to join their Toolroom team.
This is an excellent opportunity to work on prototype development, tooling manufacture and production support within a business renowned for engineering excellence and innovation.
What's the role all about?
As a Service Centre Operator, you'll be responsible for manufacturing high-precision components using manual milling machines, manual lathes and manual surface grinders.
Working closely with Design Engineers and Production teams, you'll produce tooling, prototypes and precision parts from engineering drawings, ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy are achieved.
This is a varied, hands-on role where your machining expertise will directly support new product development and manufacturing operations.
Key responsibilities
Operate manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders
Manufacture one-off and small batch precision components and tooling
Produce components to tight tolerances from engineering drawings and specifications
Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation
Select appropriate tooling, workholding methods and machining strategies
Carry out machine set-up, alignment and routine maintenance
Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers and dial gauges
Work closely with Design Engineering and Production teams to support prototype and tooling requirements
Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability using the ERP system
Ensure all work is completed in line with company quality standards and Health & Safety procedures
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Toolroom and Manufacturing departments
What you'll need
To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
Proven experience operating:
Manual milling machines
Manual centre lathes
Manual surface grinders
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
Experience working to tight tolerances within a precision engineering environment
Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds
Experience using precision measuring equipment
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components
Desirable
Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship
NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
Background within aerospace, electronics or precision manufacturing
About you
You're a skilled machinist who enjoys producing high-quality precision components and takes pride in your craftsmanship.
You'll be:
Detail-focused and methodical
Hands-on and technically capable
Quality-driven
A proactive problem solver
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
Passionate about precision engineering
Why join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering business where you'll support the manufacture of innovative, high-precision products supplied to customers worldwide.
Working within a highly skilled Toolroom team, you'll contribute to prototype development, tooling manufacture and continuous improvement while enjoying long-term career development opportunities.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Additional 3 days' leave over the festive period
Company bonus scheme
Company pension
Life Assurance (3x salary)
Employee Assistance Programme
Ongoing training and career development
Interested?
If you're an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist, Precision Machinist or Service Centre Operator looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy