CNC Lathe Operator

CNC Lathe Operator - Junior or Intermediate
Invercargill | Starting from $30.00 per hour | Full-time
Do you already have practical machining experience and want to develop your CNC lathe skills?

We are recruiting a Junior / Intermediate CNC Lathe Operator for an established Invercargill engineering business.

This is a hands-on machining position suited to someone who already understands engineering and machining fundamentals but may still be developing their CNC setup, program-adjustment and problem-solving capability.

Previous CNC lathe experience is preferred. However, candidates from adjacent machining backgrounds may also be considered if they have the right mechanical aptitude, understand machining principles and can learn at a good pace.

This is not a complete entry-level traineeship. You will be working on the machine from day one, including pulling and loading existing programs, setting tooling and producing components to engineering drawings. If your CNC knowledge is limited, you must already have practical machining experience, as the business cannot teach both basic machining and CNC operation at the same time.

What you’ll be doing

• Setting and operating CNC lathes using Fanuc controls
• Pulling, loading and proving existing CNC programs
• Making basic offsets and program adjustments when required
• Selecting and setting tooling, inserts and workholding equipment
• Producing components from engineering drawings and job specifications
• Monitoring machining operations to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish
• Measuring completed work using micrometers, verniers and other precision equipment
• Identifying machining or quality issues and seeking assistance when required
• Using PCs to load and save programs and complete setup sheets
• Maintaining accurate job, material and production records
• Carrying out routine machine care, cleaning and basic maintenance
• Supporting other members of the machining team when required

What we’re looking for Ideally, you will have:

• Previous CNC lathe or general machining experience
• The ability to read and understand engineering drawings
• A practical understanding of tooling, feeds, speeds and machining principles
• Some understanding of CNC code and how machining programs operate
• Experience using Fanuc controls, or exposure to another CNC control system
• Confidence using precision measuring equipment
• General computer skills
• Good mechanical aptitude and strong attention to detail
• A reliable and safety-conscious approach
• The ability to listen, follow instructions and learn at a good pace
• A genuine willingness to continue developing your CNC setup, tooling and program-adjustment skills

Candidates with transferable experience from CNC routing, laser cutting or other computer-controlled equipment may also be considered. However, you will still need a genuine understanding of engineering or machining processes and the practical aptitude required to move into CNC lathe work.

Your understanding of CNC code, setup and machining processes will help determine whether you are considered at the junior or intermediate level.
What’s on offer

• An hourly rate starting from $30.00 per hour
• Pay negotiated according to your machining experience and current CNC capability
• A full-time position within an established engineering workshop
• A 40-hour working week
• Hands-on CNC lathe experience from day one
• Support to develop your setup, tooling, program-adjustment and problem-solving skills
• Exposure to varied precision-engineering work
• The opportunity to progress towards becoming a fully competent CNC Lathe Machinist

If you already have a sound machining foundation and are ready to build your CNC lathe capability, we would like to hear from you.
Please apply with an up-to-date CV clearly outlining the lathes, controls, tooling and machining work you have completed.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not being offered for this position. You must currently reside in New Zealand and hold full New Zealand working rights to be considered.