Machinist

Job Title: Skilled Machinist

Location: Samlesbury

Working pattern: Shift-based (days, nights and weekends as required)

Salary: £35,833

Requirement: You will be required to provide Trades Papers on application and in person. Assessments will take place on 17th & 18th November 2026. Attendance at one of these events is required to be considered for the role. Please bring your qualification certificates for verification, as failure to do so will prevent you from undertaking the assessment.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Skilled Machinist to join our Aerospace Manufacturing team. Working within a precision engineering environment, you will play a vital role in the manufacture of highly detailed aerospace components, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and delivery performance are consistently achieved.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on advanced aerospace programmes within a fast-paced, technology-driven manufacturing environment.

Core duties:

• Set up and operate CNC and/or conventional machine tools to manufacture precision components to engineering specifications.
• Carry out in-process quality checks, follow and maintain accurate production documentation to ensure quality and compliance standards are met.
• Select and install tooling, fixtures, and work-holding equipment, while monitoring machine performance and supporting process improvements.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Programming, and Quality teams to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement strategies.

Essential Skills:

• An Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) in a mechanical discipline
• A Level 3 or above Vocational Qualification in a mechanical subject (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds)

You will be required to provide these papers on application and in person. Qualifications gained during Armed Forces service are welcomed; however, applicants must be able to provide evidence that these qualifications are equivalent to the minimum Level 3 requirements outlined above.

• Demonstrable experience operating CNC machining centres within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and use precision measuring equipment.
• Considerable understanding of machining principles, tooling, feeds, speeds, and quality inspection requirements.
• Multi-axis machining experience (3, 4, or 5 Axis) is desirable.
• Experience working with metallic and carbon composite materials, including an understanding of associated machining methods, is desirable but not essential.

The Air Sector Manufacturing Team:

Embedded within Air Sector Manufacturing, you’ll play an integral part in delivering high‑quality mechanical outputs that underpin programme performance. You’ll work to defined standards and approved methods, placing considerable emphasis on safety, quality and consistency, while contributing to continuous improvement at shop‑floor level. Your role will sit within a fast‑moving and evolving area, providing opportunities to influence ways of working, strengthen operational discipline and build broad experience across Air Sector operations.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 26th October 2026

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.

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