CNC Machine Operator / Machinist
Trade · Christchurch Central, Canterbury, New Zealand · Full-Time · $35/hr
In precision machining, what you can set up, produce, measure and solve says far more than the title on your CV. This opening is for CNC Machinists with real, verifiable hands-on expertise who are ready to use their skills in a technically demanding New Zealand engineering workplace.
Every day is different. You will mill, turn and do multi-axis work on precision parts, complex industrial pieces, one-off jobs, small runs and repair or refurbishment tasks, sizing up each job, making sound technical calls and getting accurate results with very little supervision.
Verified experience matters here, so your machining background should be backed by credible evidence of your skills and work history. Employer sponsorship is available for candidates who meet the criteria, including machinists from the Philippines and elsewhere.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up CNC machines for precision work, then prove and fine-tune programs before production starts
- Run CNC milling, turning and multi-axis machines
- Read engineering drawings, dimensions and technical specs
- Choose the right tooling, workholding and cutting parameters
- Make components to the specified measurements and tolerances, checking them with in-process measurements and quality inspections
- Sort out machining, tooling and setup problems
- Use your own technical judgement on unfamiliar or tricky jobs
- Handle one-off, prototype and low-volume work
- Machine complex and bigger industrial components
- Do machining for repairs, refurbishment and component modification
- Keep accuracy and workmanship consistent, watching machining processes and adjusting where needed
- Follow workplace safety, quality and operating procedures
- Finish your work efficiently and on time
- Share practical ideas for better machining methods and work well with experienced engineering and workshop teams
Requirements & Eligibility
- A solid, proven track record as a professional CNC Machinist
- Hands-on CNC setup and operating experience you can demonstrate
- Have done CNC milling, turning and/or multi-axis machining
- Able to set and prove machining jobs on your own
- Strong precision engineering background, or similar machining work
- Used to one-off, small-batch or high-mix production
- Confident reading engineering drawings and specifications
- Shown know-how in tooling, cutting parameters and workholding, and a good feel for machining tolerances and dimensional accuracy
- A proven problem-solver and troubleshooter on the shop floor who can make sound technical decisions alone
- Having worked on complex or larger industrial components is advantageous
- Careful with detail and committed to quality
- Reliable, with a safety-focused approach to machining
- Able to work independently and add positively to a team
- Relevant machining trade qualification is advantageous
- Your work history and professional experience must be capable of verification
- You must meet applicable New Zealand employment and sponsorship requirements; employer sponsorship is open to suitably qualified candidates whose CNC expertise is verified
Apply: Apply by email · WhatsApp
Visa guide: AEWV Guide for Filipino Workers