Laser/CNC Machine Operator

Laser Machine Operator

Palmerston North | Monday–Thursday, 6:00am–4:30pm | Permanent 4-Day Week

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Laser Machine Operator to join our Palmerston North workshop, taking over from a long-serving team member who is moving into retirement.

This is a hands-on production role at the centre of our fabrication process, responsible for the day-to-day operation of our CNC processing equipment, including CO₂ laser cutting, turret punching and press brake machinery.

You’ll play an important role in keeping production moving, ensuring work is processed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day operation of CNC machinery, including loading and unloading sheet material on a CO₂ Amada laser
• Setting up and running cutting programmes to specification
• Operating two turret punch machines – Wiedemann and Amada
• Operating press brake machinery as required
• Monitoring cut and punch quality and making adjustments where required
• Basic machine maintenance and general housekeeping to keep equipment operating reliably
• Safe handling of sheet material, including manual and machine-assisted lifting
• Reading and working from engineering drawings and production requirements
• Coordinating with the wider fabrication team to keep jobs moving efficiently through the workshop

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience operating laser cutting equipment – Amada experience would be an advantage
• Experience operating turret punch and press brake machinery
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings and cutting programmes
• A strong safety-first approach to machine operation and sheet metal handling
• Reliable, methodical and quality-focused
• Able to work independently while also contributing positively to a team environment
• Good attention to detail and a practical approach to problem solving

Nice to Have

• Current forklift licence
• Experience working with stainless steel or in a sheet metal fabrication environment
• Familiarity with nesting or CAD/CAM software used for laser and punch programming
• Experience with Amada or similar CNC equipment

Why Join Us?

• A genuine 4-day working week – Monday to Thursday, 6:00am–4:30pm, giving you a permanent three-day weekend
• Overtime available on Fridays and Saturdays when workload allows, for those wanting additional hours
• Stable and varied production work with an established and growing fabrication business
• Work with a team that values craftsmanship, quality and technical capability
• Step into a well-established role with support from an experienced workshop team during the handover period
• Opportunity to take on a key role within our production operation

Apply

If you have the experience and practical skills to operate CNC machinery in a busy fabrication environment and are looking for a stable role with a genuine four-day working week, we’d like to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience.