Role:  Manual & CNC Lathe Machinist

Location: Livingston

Type: Permanent

Reports To: Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain  

Edinburgh Instruments has over fifty years of pioneering expertise in delivering cutting edge spectroscopic solutions. As a global authority in the design and manufacture of advanced spectroscopy systems, we develop bespoke instruments that push the boundaries in Photoluminescence, Raman, UV Vis, FTIR, and Transient Absorption technologies. We continue to invest in research, product development and market expansion, with strong growth expectations in the coming years.

Edinburgh Instruments is part of Techcomp Europe Group which is home to a portfolio of fast growing, high technology businesses operating across global markets. Our brands include Edinburgh Instruments, Edinburgh Sensors, Scion, Froilabo, Precisa, Sercon and Isotopx. Headquartered in Livingston, Scotland, we continue to invest heavily in R&D and product development, driving innovation and creating exciting growth opportunities across our worldwide network of companies and sales channels.

We are currently looking for a Manual & CNC Lathe Machinist to join our Production team at our Livingston headquarters.

What You’ll be Doing

Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, the Manual and CNC Lathe Machinist is responsible for safely manufacturing, modifying and inspecting precision components used in scientific instrumentation and laboratory products. The role covers CNC turning, manual turning and manual milling, including machine setup, basic CNC programming, tooling and workholding selection, in-process inspection, accurate production records and routine equipment care. The postholder will also actively support the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Manufacture precision components from aluminium, steel, stainless steel, brass, engineering plastics and other approved materials using CNC lathes, manual lathes and manual milling machines.
• Set up machines, tooling, workholding, offsets and cutting parameters in accordance with drawings, job instructions and safe working practices.
• Create, load, prove out and amend CNC programs using approved CAM software and G-code, within individual competence and authorisation.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, surface-finish requirements and revision status before starting work.
• Carry out first-off, in-process and final inspection using appropriate measuring equipment, recording results and escalating non-conformances promptly.
• Modify, rework, deburr, finish and clean manufactured or bought-in components using machine tools and approved hand tools.
• Perform routine operator checks, cleaning and basic preventive-maintenance tasks, and report faults, damage or calibration concerns.
• Maintain tooling, gauges, fixtures and work areas in a clean, organised and serviceable condition in line with 5S standards.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality and Procurement colleagues to resolve manufacturability, quality, material and delivery issues.
• Support design changes, prototype work, process improvements, standardisation and reduction of setup time, scrap and rework.
• Follow company policies, documented procedures, risk assessments, COSHH controls and health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Undertake other reasonable duties within the scope of the role, as allocated by the line manager

What You'll Need to Bring

Essential

• A time-served machining apprenticeship, recognised engineering qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience in precision component manufacture.
• Proven competence in manual turning and manual milling, including machine setup, tooling selection, workholding and safe operation.
• Practical CNC turning experience, including machine setup, setting offsets, proving programs and making controlled program or parameter adjustments.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, geometric and dimensional tolerances, material specifications and surface-finish requirements.
• Competence in using inspection equipment such as vernier calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, thread gauges and surface plates.
• A sound understanding of cutting tools, speeds and feeds, materials, coolant use, deburring and component finishing.
• Ability to maintain accurate production, inspection and traceability records and to work from the correct controlled documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with a quality-focused, right-first-time approach.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to safe working practices and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Experience machining close-tolerance, low-volume or prototype components for scientific, optical, aerospace or similarly controlled products.
• Competence in CAD/CAM software, preferably SolidWorks and the Company's approved CAM package, together with controlled drawing or PDM systems.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP job booking, digital work instructions, non-conformance reporting, and formal change-control processes.
• Knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing, root-cause problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Why Us? 

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established, growing, and globally recognised scientific instrumentation company, offering a supportive environment where innovation is encouraged and technical expertise is valued. We provide a competitive salary with a performance‑related bonus scheme, a 37.5‑hour working week with a flexible working pattern and early Friday finish, private medical insurance, a pension scheme, permanent health insurance and death‑in‑service benefit, a generous holiday allowance, subsidised gym membership, and excellent career development opportunities within a growing organisation.

As an equal opportunities employer, Edinburgh Instruments is committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds.