STEM Drill Operator
Operate rare STEM drilling tech to produce deep, precision holes for aerospace components. Join a safety‑driven, quality‑focused team and advance your niche skills.
Precision Engineering. Advanced Technology. Real Impact.
We are looking for a STEM Drill Operator to join our advanced manufacturing team, operating one of the most specialised and rare drilling technologies in precision engineering.
This role offers the opportunity to work with acid electrolytic STEM drilling technology, producing long, deep, high‑precision holes in challenging materials for high‑integrity components used in the aerospace and industrial gas turbine sectors.
If you enjoy working to exceptional accuracy, thrive in a quality‑driven environment, and want to develop expertise in an advanced machining process, this role is for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
Set up and operate STEM drilling machines to produce deep, precision holes in corrosion‑resistant alloys
Drill complex profiles including:
Film cooling holes
Radial and trailing edge holes
Platform and tabulated holes
Work with small diameters (down to 0.5mm) and extreme depth‑to‑diameter ratios
Monitor and control the electrolytic drilling process to achieve:
Excellent surface finish
No recast layer
No thermal or mechanical stress to components
Interpret engineering drawings and drilling specifications
Perform in‑process inspection and quality checks
Maintain clean, organised and safe working areas
Support continuous improvement in quality, productivity and process control
What Makes This Role Different
Work with a rare and highly specialised drilling technology
No spark erosion, no thermal damage, no mechanical stress
High material removal rates with minimal tool wear
Opportunity to build niche skills highly valued in aerospace manufacturing
Contribute directly to safety‑critical, high‑performance components
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
Experience operating precision machining or drilling equipment
Strong attention to detail and quality standards
Ability to follow technical instructions and engineering drawings
Commitment to safety and controlled working practices
Good problem‑solving skills and process awareness
Desirable
Experience with STEM drilling, EDM, or electrochemical machining
Background in aerospace or high‑integrity manufacturing
Knowledge of working with exotic or corrosion‑resistant materials
Experience with inspection, measurement, and quality documentation
Personal Attributes
Methodical and precise approach to work
Patient and focused when working to tight tolerances
Willing to learn and develop specialist skills
Team‑focused with a strong sense of accountability
Proud of delivering right‑first‑time quality
Why Join Us?
Work with cutting‑edge manufacturing technology
Develop specialist skills in a niche process
Stable, high‑quality manufacturing environment
Strong focus on safety, quality and investment in people
Be part of a team delivering components that truly matter
Interested in Becoming a STEM Specialist?
If you’re ready to work with advanced drilling technology and take pride in precision engineering, apply today and become part of a team pushing the boundaries of manufacturing capability.
- Department
- Production
- Role
- Operator
- Locations
- Churchill Way Nelson
Colleagues
Churchill Way Nelson
Our Perks & Benefits
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🏄🏻♀️ 33 days paid Holidays
We value that you get more time with your family and friends. Therefore we offer everybody 36 days paid holiday (inclusive of Public Holidays)
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🧑⚕️Health Cash Back Plan & EAP
We value our colleagues wellbeing so offer all colleagues a full EAP Service including a Health Cash Back Plan so they can easily access tools to benefit their wellbeing..
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🔌EV Car Scheme Contribution & Cycle to Work
We care about the environment so we offer all colleagues an opportunity to switch to electric cars or purchase a bike through salary sacrifice.
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💷 Company Sick Pay
We believe our colleagues when ill should be able to be off without worrying about added financial pressures, so we offer a Company Sick pay Scheme which increases with service.
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👨👦Paid Paternity Leave
We offer all expectant fathers full paid paternity leave.
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💰 Company Paid Pension
We offer all our colleagues a contributory pension scheme which increases with service.
Workplace, Culture & Diversity
Corporate culture is essential to allow the organization to differentiate itself. In terms of image on the one hand, it has strengths both internally and externally to consumers. It is indeed a source of cohesion and motivation of employees and it limits conflicts. With customers, it conveys a positive image and can develop a feeling of closeness to the company or even become a criterion of choice.