Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia.

PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life.

Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments.

Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors.

The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.

Job Description: CNC Lathe Toolmaker – Operations

Location: Blackburn

Department: Operations – Toolroom

Reporting to: Toolroom Manager

Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week (Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:30). Flexibility may be required to support production demands. Overtime compensated per company policy.

Salary £37,000 annually

Company Introduction

Part of the IDEX Corporation, Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd (PPE) is a manufacturer and supplier of high performance, niche elastomer seals used in critical applications around the globe. At IDEX we are focused on attractive markets where there is sustainable competitive advantage based on technology leading to high growth and profitability. We are fast growing and successful with over £1 billion annual sales.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled CNC Lathe Toolmaker to join our Toolroom Operations team. This role focuses on the manufacture and maintenance of precision components using CNC lathe equipment, with a strong emphasis on programming, setup, and tooling for turning applications. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical expertise in lathe operations and collaborate effectively across departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC lathes to produce high-precision components for mould tooling and production support.
• Set up CNC lathe machines, including tooling selection, fixture setup, and parameter configuration.
• Develop and optimize lathe programs using SolidCAM or equivalent CAM software.
• Interpret engineering drawings and CAD models to ensure accurate machining of turned parts.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of lathe equipment and tooling.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve machining issues and improve process efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation including setup sheets, inspection records, and tooling logs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards in the toolroom environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• HND in Toolmaking or equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in CNC lathe operations and precision toolmaking.
• Proficiency in SolidCAM or similar CAM software for lathe programming.
• Strong understanding of turning processes, materials, and tolerances.
• Experience in high-tolerance manufacturing environments.

Interpersonal & Professional Skills

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and production support.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and professional development.