{"id":2353441,"url":"https://alion.io/job/thorlabs-cnc-sliding-head-lathe-operator-2244","title":"CNC Sliding Head Lathe Operator - 2244","company":{"id":6560,"name":"Thorlabs","domain":"thorlabs.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/thorlabs","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workable","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":19,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.789,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":33,"computed_at":"2026-11-04T06:34:25Z"}},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Ely, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":36000,"max_usd":68000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":1370},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"GD&T","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-12T14:17:24Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-12","last_verified_at":"2026-11-05T02:47:18Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":23,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":23},"description":"What is the job?\nSupport 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.\nWorking Hours: Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm\nDepartment: Manufacturing Engineering\nInterview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting - First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 2 Hour interview\nWho we are?\nThorlabs 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.\nWhere you will be working?\nOur 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.\nRequirements\nWhat is essential to us…\nApprenticeship trained or similar experience considered\nMinimum 3 years’ experience on Sliding Head Lathes in a manufacturing environment\nProficient in setting up, operating and daily maintenance of Sliding Head Lathes\nExperienced in minimising down time between set up changes (SMED methodologies)\nGood understanding of engineering drawings and an ability to interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)\nA working knowledge of Fanuc based controls\nExperience working with micron level precision\nExperienced in process improvement and Lean manufacturing\nKnowledge of programming Sliding Head Lathes highly desirable but not essential\nKnowledge of 3-axis milling and Wire EDM is desirable but not essential\nMust have a good attention to detail and ability to multitask\nAbility to work in a team as well as independently\nAbility to identify and resolve problems quickly\nAbility to teach others and share knowledge\nAdhering to core values and driven positive attitude\nWhat we would like you to do/ to see…\nTo set up, load and machine components on a Sliding Head Lathe\nTo 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\nEnsure the quality of components produced meets requirements by taking accurate measurements utilising the most appropriate inspection tools and documenting the results\nHelp optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues\nRespond to ad-hoc R&D requests when needed, meeting required deadlines through close liaison with production planning and R&D teams\nShare best practices in set up and operation of Sliding Head Lathes to enhance team competency and knowledge\nUtilise colleagues to assist in set up changes to reduce machine down time (SMED methodologies)\nActive contribution to process improvement initiatives to enhance Lean operations\nSupport the Machine Shop operation by setting, loading and operating other CNC machinery when required, including unloading and hand finish components if necessary\nMaintaining high levels of attention to detail at all times\nPerform daily and weekly 5S tasks and machine maintenance, following Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) regimes\nEnsure that all machining activities are carried out in accordance with the company’s safe working practices and environmental requirements\nWhat will you get?\nAt 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.\nAnd the benefits are?\nCompetitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.\nJob Reference: THOR-VC-2244\nThis 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.\nWe welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.\n*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)\nAll offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.\nWe would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.\nBenefits\n-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.\nPlease 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 .\nWe are Disability Confident Committed\nIn 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. 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