Toolmaker – Cylindrical & Surface Grinding (Progression to CNC)

About the role

A leading precision engineering manufacturer in West Byfleet is looking for an experienced Toolmaker with a strong background in grinding. The role starts with manual cylindrical and surface grinding and offers a clear progression into CNC cylindrical grinding as the business expands.

Key responsibilities

• Set up and operate cylindrical, centreless and surface grinding machines.
• Perform external and internal grinding to tight tolerances, concentricity, roundness and surface‑finish specifications.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Manufacture precision components such as shafts, pins, bushes, jigs and fixtures.
• Conduct in‑process inspection using micrometers, bore gauges, comparators and other precision measuring equipment.
• Dress grinding wheels and select appropriate tooling.
• Support the transition to CNC cylindrical grinding and assist with Fanuc (or similar) CNC grinder setup.
• Carry out routine machine maintenance and collaborate with production and quality teams to improve processes.

Required profile

• Previous experience as a Toolmaker with strong cylindrical grinding skills.
• Proficiency in surface and centreless grinding operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience working to tight tolerances and fine surface‑finish requirements.

Required skills

• Cylindrical grinding
• Surface grinding
• Centreless grinding
• Fanuc CNC control (or similar)
• Precision measuring equipment (micrometers, bore gauges, comparators)
• Grinding wheel dressing
• Routine machine maintenance

What we offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Overtime paid at 1.5× the standard rate.
• 39‑hour week with flexible shift patterns.
• 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 25 days with service).
• Company sick‑pay scheme and quarterly attendance bonus.
• Ongoing training, development and clear progression into CNC grinding and advanced manufacturing technologies.