Full job descriptionManual Vertical Borer Setter / Operator

DepartmentMachine Shop
Reports ToMachine Shop Supervisor / Production Manager


Job PurposeTo safely and efficiently set and operate manual Vertical Boring machines to produce medium to heavy engineering workpieces in accordance with customer drawings, specifications and required quality standards.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and setting machines, selecting appropriate tooling and machining methods, producing components to the required tolerances and carrying out accurate self-inspection.
Candidates with a strong turning background who have transferable skills and experience relevant to large-component machining will also be considered.


Key Duties and Responsibilities*Set and operate manual Vertical Boring machines.
*Read and interpret customer-issued engineering drawings and specifications.
*Determine suitable machining methods, tooling, speeds and feeds.
*Set and secure workpieces safely and accurately.
*Select and set appropriate cutting tools.
*Machine medium to heavy workpieces to specified dimensions and tolerances.
*Monitor the machining process and make adjustments where required.
*Carry out accurate self-inspection of components using appropriate measuring equipment.
*Ensure finished components meet customer and company quality requirements.
*Identify and report any quality, tooling, machine or production issues.
*Complete relevant production and inspection documentation.
*Maintain machinery, tooling and the working area in a clean and safe condition.
*Follow all company Health & Safety and quality procedures.
*Support other areas of the machine shop when required.
*Work overtime when required to meet production requirements and customer deadlines.


Essential Skills and ExperienceThe successful candidate must have:
*Proven experience setting and operating manual Vertical Boring machines, or a strong turning background with relevant transferable experience.
*Experience working from engineering drawings and customer specifications.
*Experience machining medium to heavy workpieces.
*The ability to select appropriate tooling and machining methods.
*A good understanding of cutting speeds, feeds and tooling.
*The ability to work accurately to engineering tolerances.
*The ability to self-inspect completed work.
*Experience using appropriate precision measuring equipment.
*A strong understanding of safe working practices within a machine shop.
*A willingness to work overtime when required.


Desirable Experience*Experience working with large or heavy engineering components.
*Previous experience within a heavy engineering or precision engineering environment.
*Experience with one-off and small-batch production.
*Experience operating other conventional/manual machine tools.
*Formal engineering qualifications, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience.


Working HoursMonday – Thursday: 08:00 – 16:30
Friday: 08:00 – 13:00
37 paid hours per week
*30-minute unpaid lunch break Monday–Thursday.
*No lunch break on Friday.
*Day shift employees are expected to achieve a minimum of 11 hours’ overtime per week.
Overtime Rates*Overtime: T + 1/3
*Sunday overtime: T + 1/2


PayPay is dependent on skill and experience.
Manual£17.00 – £19.00 per hour
Rates stated do not include any applicable shift allowance.


BenefitsCompany PensionThe company operates a pension scheme with a total weekly contribution of 8%:
*5% employee contribution
*3% employer contribution
Health & Safety BonusEmployees who meet the qualifying criteria are eligible for a £250 Health & Safety bonus every 6 months.


Personal QualitiesThe successful candidate should demonstrate:
*Reliability and good attendance.
*A strong work ethic and positive attitude.
*Excellent attention to detail.
*Pride in the quality of their work.
*Good Health & Safety awareness.
*The ability to work independently.
*A methodical and practical approach to machining.
*Good problem-solving skills.
*Flexibility to support the wider machine shop.
*A willingness to work overtime when required.


Performance ExpectationsThe successful candidate will be expected to:
*Produce components safely, accurately and efficiently.
*Consistently achieve required quality standards and tolerances.
*Complete work within agreed production timescales.
*Carry out accurate self-inspection.
*Maintain good housekeeping and machine-shop standards.
*Minimise unnecessary material and tooling wastage.
*Follow company Health & Safety and quality procedures.
*Work flexibly according to production requirements.
*Contribute positively to the overall performance of the machine shop.


Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be an experienced Manual Vertical Borer Setter/Operator who is confident working with medium to heavy engineering components and can independently set and operate machinery from customer drawings.
Candidates with a strong turning background will also be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience in large-component machining and the ability to transfer their existing skills to manual Vertical Boring.
The successful candidate will be accurate, safety-conscious and quality-focused, with the ability to inspect their own work and take responsibility for producing components to the required standard.