CNC Machinist

CNC Machinist – 3, 4 or 5-Axis
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Permanent, full-time | Monday to Friday | $30–$40 per hour | Optional overtime
Are you an experienced CNC Machinist who is confident setting and operating machinery within a busy precision engineering workshop?

You do not need to be a 5-axis specialist to apply. We are open to machinists from strong 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis backgrounds. What matters is that you understand CNC machining, can work confidently from engineering drawings and take responsibility for producing accurate, high-quality components.
This is not an entry-level or trainee position. You will need a minimum of two years’ practical CNC machining experience gained within a busy workshop, jobbing or precision manufacturing environment.

The opportunity
Our client is a locally owned, well-established precision engineering company based in Lower Hutt.

The business supports manufacturers across New Zealand, producing everything from one-off components and prototypes through to small batches and ongoing production runs. Its customers operate across a broad range of industries, including transport, agriculture, marine, construction, industrial equipment and specialist manufacturing.

You will join an experienced engineering team working with modern CNC machining technology, including 4-axis and 5-axis vertical machining centres, integrated CAD/CAM software and automated equipment.
The workshop handles varied and often technically challenging work. This is an excellent opportunity for a machinist who enjoys problem-solving, variety and being part of a team that works together to meet customer deadlines.

What you’ll be doing
Depending on your experience and capability, your work will include:

• Setting and operating 3-axis, 4-axis and/or 5-axis CNC machining centres.
• Producing one-off components, prototypes, small batches and production work.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, tolerances and specifications.
• Selecting appropriate tooling, fixtures, workholding methods and cutting parameters.
• Loading, proving and adjusting existing CNC programs.
• Completing first-off inspections and making necessary machining adjustments.
• Monitoring jobs to ensure components are produced accurately and efficiently.
• Using precision measuring and inspection equipment to verify finished components.
• Working across materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and engineering plastics.
• Identifying practical improvements to tooling, setups, cycle times and machining processes.
• Working closely with the wider workshop team to keep jobs moving and meet agreed deadlines.
• Maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, safety and workshop housekeeping.

Candidates with CNC programming or CAM experience will have the opportunity to use those skills. The company currently works with Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM.

What we’re looking for
You will need:

• A minimum of two years’ practical CNC machining experience.
• Experience gained within a busy machine shop, jobbing or precision engineering environment.
• Experience setting and operating 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis CNC machinery.
• Confidence working independently at the machine.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and produce components to specification.
• A sound understanding of tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding and machining processes.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and checking your own work.
• A strong focus on quality, accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to troubleshoot machining or setup issues practically.
• An understanding of the importance of teamwork when managing workloads and meeting customer deadlines.
• A reliable, adaptable and team-focused approach.

A relevant machining, toolmaking or mechanical engineering trade qualification would be beneficial. However, proven hands-on experience and machining capability will be equally important.
Experience with 5-axis machining, mill-turn equipment, CNC programming, Fusion 360 or CMM inspection would be advantageous but is not essential for every applicant.

What’s on offer

• $30–$40 per hour, depending on your experience and capability.
• A permanent, full-time position.
• A standard 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30am.
• Optional overtime for those who want additional hours.
• Predictable weekday hours, providing plenty of time for life outside work.
• A supportive team environment, working alongside skilled engineers and machinists.
• Modern 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC machinery.
• Varied work across prototypes, one-offs and production components.
• Exposure to different materials, industries and machining challenges.
• Opportunities to broaden your multi-axis machining and programming capability.
• A convenient Lower Hutt location.
• Stable employment within an established New Zealand engineering business.

If you are an experienced CNC Machinist looking for varied work, modern machinery and a supportive team environment, I'd love to hear from you.

  
VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT OFFERED FOR THIS ROLE
Applicants must already live in New Zealand and have full working rights.