HR GO Recruitment
Job Description
Precision Engineering Opportunity in Slough
HR GO Recruitment is seeking a skilled Sheet Metal Worker to join a thriving subcontract engineering firm in Slough. This role is ideal for a craftsperson who enjoys variety and takes pride in “fine limit” work. You will be working primarily with Aluminum, Mild Steel, and Stainless Steel to produce high-quality components for a diverse range of industries.
The company offers a stable, friendly environment with a highly sought-after Friday half-day, allowing for an excellent work-life balance while still offering the opportunity for overtime.
Core Responsibilities
-
Machine Operation: Set up, adjust, and operate brake presses and other sheet metal machinery.
-
Technical Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and blueprints to determine precise bending and cutting requirements.
-
Tooling Selection: Select and install appropriate tooling and dies based on material thickness and required angles.
-
Quality Control: Monitor operations and conduct manual inspections of finished parts to ensure they meet strict tolerances and specifications.
-
Maintenance: Perform routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
-
Safety: Adhere to all workshop safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment.
What We’re Looking For
-
Proven Expertise: Solid experience in sheet metal work, specifically with bending, forming, and cutting.
-
Brake Press Mastery: Specific expertise in setting and operating brake press machinery.
-
Blueprint Literacy: High proficiency in reading technical engineering drawings.
-
Material Knowledge: A strong understanding of the properties of different metals (Ali, Mild, and Stainless).
-
Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and the manual skills required for precision metalwork.
Job Data Table
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | HR GO Recruitment (Subcontract Specialist) |
| Location | Slough, United Kingdom |
| Locality | Slough Industrial Area |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| City | Slough |
| Region | South East England |
| Job Type | Full-time, Permanent |
| Salaries | £16.00 – £21.00 per hour (Experience dependent) |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday (Friday half-day) |
| Experience Level | Skilled Tradesperson |
| Benefits | Overtime available, Early Friday finish |
Skills & Competency Table
| Key Skill | Level |
| Brake Press Setup/Operation | Expert |
| Engineering Drawing Interpretation | Expert |
| Fine Limit Sheet Metal Work | Advanced |
| Material Inspection/Metrology | Advanced |
| Machine Maintenance | Intermediate |
Salaries Pay Calculator Table
| Hourly Rate | Weekly (39h Est.) | Annual (Gross) | Notes |
| £16.00 (Base) | £624.00 | £32,448.00 | Starting rate for competent workers |
| £21.00 (Senior) | £819.00 | £42,588.00 | Rate for highly skilled/expert setters |
Note: Annual figures do not include potential overtime earnings.
Job Summary
This permanent role in Slough is for a skilled Sheet Metal Worker proficient in brake press operation and reading engineering drawings. Working with aluminum and steel, you will perform fine-limit work in a busy subcontract environment. The role pays up to £21/hr and features a half-day every Friday, with extra hours available for those looking to increase their earnings.
FAQs
What is “fine limit” sheet metal work?
Fine limit refers to high-precision work where components must be manufactured to very tight tolerances (often within fractions of a millimeter).
What are the standard working hours?
While exact start times vary, the role is full-time and notably includes a Friday half-day, a common but highly valued perk in British manufacturing.
Is there a degree requirement?
No. This is a skilled trade role where “proven experience” and practical proficiency with machinery and drawings are the primary requirements.
Will I be working with just one type of metal?
No, you will work with a variety, mainly Aluminum, Mild Steel, and Stainless Steel, each of which requires different handling and machine settings.
Is this a temporary agency role?
No, HR GO is recruiting for a permanent position directly with the manufacturing company.
Expert Analysis
The rate of £16–£21 per hour is very competitive for the Slough area, particularly for subcontract work which often offers more variety than single-product manufacturing. The “Friday half-day” is a major culture win, often used by skilled tradespeople to beat the weekend traffic or pick up overtime at a premium rate. For a Sheet Metal Worker, the ability to work on “varied and interesting” projects is key to maintaining a high skill level and avoiding repetitive-task burnout.
Location & Logistics Guide
Slough is home to one of the largest trading estates in Europe, making it a massive hub for subcontract engineering. The area is exceptionally well-connected via the M4 and the Elizabeth Line, making it an easy commute from Reading, Maidenhead, or West London.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slough_Trading_Estate
Career Path
Experienced Sheet Metal Workers in a subcontract environment often progress into Workshop Supervisor, Quality Inspector, or CAD/CAM Programmer roles (using software like Radan or TruTops to program the machines they once operated). The high-precision skills gained here are also highly transferable to the Aerospace and Automotive sectors.
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.