CNC Sliding Head Lathe Operator - 2244
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 12, 2026. Thorlabs scores B on the Alion truth index.
What is the job?
Support the Machine Shop operation to provide precision machined components for production and R&D use by setting up, operating and maintaining CNC Sliding Head Lathe.
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm
Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting - First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 2 Hour interview
Who we are?
Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.
Where you will be working?
Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.
Requirements
What is essential to us…
- Apprenticeship trained or similar experience considered
- Minimum 3 years’ experience on Sliding Head Lathes in a manufacturing environment
- Proficient in setting up, operating and daily maintenance of Sliding Head Lathes
- Experienced in minimising down time between set up changes (SMED methodologies)
- Good understanding of engineering drawings and an ability to interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- A working knowledge of Fanuc based controls
- Experience working with micron level precision
- Experienced in process improvement and Lean manufacturing
- Knowledge of programming Sliding Head Lathes highly desirable but not essential
- Knowledge of 3-axis milling and Wire EDM is desirable but not essential
- Must have a good attention to detail and ability to multitask
- Ability to work in a team as well as independently
- Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
- Ability to teach others and share knowledge
- Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
What we would like you to do/ to see…
- To set up, load and machine components on a Sliding Head Lathe
- To successfully schedule and load high mix, low/medium volume batches by strategically grouping components together to meet turnaround times whilst minimising machine set up changes
- Ensure the quality of components produced meets requirements by taking accurate measurements utilising the most appropriate inspection tools and documenting the results
- Help optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues
- Respond to ad-hoc R&D requests when needed, meeting required deadlines through close liaison with production planning and R&D teams
- Share best practices in set up and operation of Sliding Head Lathes to enhance team competency and knowledge
- Utilise colleagues to assist in set up changes to reduce machine down time (SMED methodologies)
- Active contribution to process improvement initiatives to enhance Lean operations
- Support the Machine Shop operation by setting, loading and operating other CNC machinery when required, including unloading and hand finish components if necessary
- Maintaining high levels of attention to detail at all times
- Perform daily and weekly 5S tasks and machine maintenance, following Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) regimes
- Ensure that all machining activities are carried out in accordance with the company’s safe working practices and environmental requirements
What will you get?
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are?
Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference: THOR-VC-2244
This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.
*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.
We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.
Benefits
-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.
Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [email protected].
We are Disability Confident Committed
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.