Job Title
Technical Lead - CNC
Ref #
59016
Date posted
Friday, May 1, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Sheffield
Business area
Sheffield
Department
Sheffield
Position level
5
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
8:30am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday
Salary
N/A
What to Expect
To carry out CNC machining activities within the Tooling team, with primary responsibility for machining patterns for composite tooling and producing carbon and other on‑site tools. The role provides technical expertise to support quality, cost, cycle‑time and equipment availability improvements for tooling‑related CNC processes and the introduction of new tooling products, equipment and technologies. This is a hands‑on technician position and does not include line management or direct reports. 
What You'll Do

As a Technical Lead your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

  • Machine patterns for composite tooling to CAD tolerances and required surface finishes.
  • Operate, set up and programme CNC milling machines (5‑axis experience desirable) and provide practical support for machine setups, fixturing, tooling selection and process optimisation. 
  • Participate in the manufacture and assembly of carbon tools and other on‑site tooling as required.
  • Work closely with other Technical Leads, the Tooling Designer and the Senior Tooling Engineer to resolve technical issues and implement process improvements.
  • Take part in Practical Problem‑Solving (PPS) or equivalent structured problem‑solving activities to address tooling quality or process issues.
  • Maintain and update tooling process documentation, including standard operating procedures, work instructions and product standards specific to tooling manufacture.
  • Provide clear updates on work progress, technical findings and relevant KPIs to the Senior Tooling Engineer and other stakeholders


What You'll Bring

Functional / Technical Skills: 

  • Proven, hands‑on experience running and setting up CNC milling machines is essential; demonstrable experience with 5‑axis machining is strongly preferred.
  • CNC programming experience and proficiency with at least one CAM package is desirable.
  • Experience of machining patterns for composites and/or machining for composite tooling is highly desirable.
  • Practical experience in producing carbon tools or composite tooling assemblies is advantageous.
  • Solid understanding of machining techniques, fixturing, tooling selection and surface finish control.
  • Competence in collecting and analysing process data and establishing relevant data‑collection systems.
  • Familiarity with structured change management systems.
  • Good IT proficiency and ability to present technical information clearly.

Personal Attributes / Competencies: 

  • Practical, hands‑on and technically confident.
  • Self‑motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a cross‑functional team.
  • Strong communicator with good interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail with a pragmatic approach to troubleshooting and issue resolution.
  • Flexible and willing to support broader tooling activities beyond core CNC duties.


What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

  • Structured career development framework
  • 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
  • Enhanced company pension scheme
  • Discretionary annual bonus award
  • Private medical insurance and health cash plan
  • Life assurance benefit
  • Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
  • Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
  • Generous parental leave policies
  • A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Who Are We?

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. 

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey. 

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