Sliding Head Programmer

  • Quest Technical Ltd
  • Feb 26, 2026
Full time Engineering

Job Description

Sliding Head Setter Programmer

We are working with a prestigious company who produce high quality precision machined components to meet our customer specifications. The components they manufacture are used in the Medical, Optical, Aerospace, Air-conditioning Food, Electronics and Telecommunications industries, plus many more they excellent reputation and work hard to maintain it.

Key skills required of the Sliding Head Setter Programmer:

  • Must have proven experience in setting and programming CNC sliding head lathes
  • Experience of Citizen or Star machines is required
  • Ability to work to tight tolerances with various metals, including exotic alloys.
  • Capable of reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • Must have strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ideally, you will have completed an engineering apprenticeship; however, relevant experience will be considered equally valuable.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set and program Citizen or Star sliding head lathes for precision batch production.
  • Read, interpret and work to complex engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Perform first-off inspections and quality checks to ensure component accuracy.
  • Work on prototype and repeat batch work in line with production schedules.
  • Collaborate with the production team to troubleshoot, optimise and maintain machine performance.
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment and follow health & safety guidelines.

The Role

This is a hands-on role involving the setting, programming and operating of sliding head CNC lathes to manufacture small to medium batch components. You will be working to tight aerospace tolerances and with a range of high-specification materials including stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and titanium.

The successful Sliding Head Setter Programmer will be rewarded with:

  • Competitive salary: £40,000 £50,000 DOE
  • Overtime available (paid at time and a half)
  • Annual performance-related bonus
  • Company pension
  • Free on-site parking
  • Early finish every Friday
  • Stable, long-term permanent employment
  • Opportunities for development within a growing business

Please send your CV to Technical Ltd for immediate consideration.