Prototype & Tool Room Machinist

Brooks Automation; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness programs

Detailed induction program

Part-time or full-time work options

Job summary

Brooks LAS in Brisbane seeks a Prototype & Tool Room Machinist to manufacture high‑quality components for Production and R&D using manual mills, lathes, and tooling. You will produce make‑to‑order parts, verify tolerances, and help optimise designs for manufacturability and cost.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, using precision measuring equipment, and collaborating with engineers to support rapid prototyping, production delivery, and continuous improvement in a lab‑oratory

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Engineering (Mechanical), Fitting & Machining, Toolmaking, or equivalent.
• Experience operating manual milling machines and manual lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment including verniers, micrometers, dial indicators, and gauges.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, tolerances, fits, and materials.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Experience in prototype machining or low‑volume/high‑mix manufacturing.
• Experience supporting engineering or R&D teams.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 manufacturing environments.
• Basic CAD interpretation skills.
• Experience machining plastics, aluminium, stainless steel, and engineered materials.
• Experience in electromechanical manufacturing or laboratory automation products.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture components from engineering drawings using manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and associated workshop equipment.
• Produce make‑to‑order components for Production and R&D that meet required specifications, quality standards, and delivery dates.
• Ensure all work is completed accurately and free from workmanship defects.
• Manufacture prototype, development, and production components with varying levels of complexity.
• Select appropriate machining methods, tooling, fixtures, and materials to achieve desired outcomes.
• Verify dimensions and conformity using precision measuring equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers during product development activities.
• Review engineering drawings and designs and provide practical feedback regarding manufacturability, cost, assembly, tolerance requirements, and machining methods.
• Support rapid prototyping activities to accelerate product development timelines.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.
• Rework non‑conforming material where practical to minimise waste and support production delivery schedules.
• Provide urgent machining support for production shortages and engineering change requests.
• Assist production teams in resolving component and assembly issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations.
• Maintain workshop equipment and tooling in safe working condition.
• Calibrate, verify, and maintain designated measuring and test equipment.
• Maintain accurate job records, labour tracking, and timesheets.
• Assist in estimating material, labour, tooling, and machining costs.
• Contribute to maintaining the Tool Room as a cost‑effective internal service provider.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop layout, workflow, safety, and efficiency.
• Follow all company safety procedures and WHS requirements.
• Operate machinery safely and in accordance with documented procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work environment.
• Report any safety, quality, environmental, or regulatory concerns promptly.
• Participate in workplace audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Manual milling

Manual lathe

Reading drawings

Measuring equipment

Problem solving

Education

Trade qualification (Mechanical/Fitting & Machining/Toolmaking)

Tools

Verniers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Gauges

Job description

Brooks is a growing, fast‑paced technology leader of automation solutions which support the dynamic and expanding semiconductor and life sciences lab markets. At Brooks, new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer-focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and collaborate with one another to achieve new heights.

Brooks – Laboratory Automation Solutions (LAS) is a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative automation solutions that optimise workflows across diverse laboratory environments. From clinical diagnostics to research, life sciences, and industrial applications, we deliver compact, intelligent systems that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. At Brooks LAS, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. We are passionate about solving real‑world challenges in laboratory automation and empowering our teams to think boldly, act with purpose, and continuously learn.

The Prototype & Tool Room Machinist is responsible for manufacturing high‑quality machined components that support both Production and Research & Development activities. Operating primarily manual milling machines, lathes, and associated workshop equipment, this role produces one‑off and low‑volume components, assists with rapid prototyping, reworks non‑conforming material, and contributes to the continuous improvement of product designs and manufacturing processes.

Working in a dynamic manufacturing environment, this role requires strong machining skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineers and production personnel to support business growth and innovation.

What you’ll do:

Machining & Fabrication

• Manufacture components from engineering drawings using manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and associated workshop equipment.
• Produce make‑to‑order components for Production and R&D that meet required specifications, quality standards, and delivery dates.
• Ensure all work is completed accurately and free from workmanship defects.
• Manufacture prototype, development, and production components with varying levels of complexity.
• Select appropriate machining methods, tooling, fixtures, and materials to achieve desired outcomes.
• Verify dimensions and conformity using precision measuring equipment.

R&D & New Product Development Support

• Collaborate with R&D engineers during product development activities.
• Review engineering drawings and designs and provide practical feedback regarding manufacturability, cost, assembly, tolerance requirements, and machining methods.
• Support rapid prototyping activities to accelerate product development timelines.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.

Production Support

• Rework non‑conforming material where practical to minimise waste and support production delivery schedules.
• Provide urgent machining support for production shortages and engineering change requests.
• Assist production teams in resolving component and assembly issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations.

Tool Room Management

• Maintain workshop equipment and tooling in safe working condition.
• Calibrate, verify, and maintain designated measuring and test equipment.
• Maintain accurate job records, labour tracking, and timesheets.
• Assist in estimating material, labour, tooling, and machining costs.
• Contribute to maintaining the Tool Room as a cost‑effective internal service provider.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop layout, workflow, safety, and efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety procedures and WHS requirements.
• Operate machinery safely and in accordance with documented procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work environment.
• Report any safety, quality, environmental, or regulatory concerns promptly.
• Participate in workplace audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities.

What you will bring?

• Trade qualification in Engineering (Mechanical), Fitting & Machining, Toolmaking, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience operating manual milling machines and manual lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment including verniers, micrometers, dial indicators, and gauges.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, tolerances, fits, and materials.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Experience in prototype machining or low‑volume/high‑mix manufacturing.
• Experience supporting engineering or R&D teams.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 manufacturing environments.
• Basic CAD interpretation skills.
• Experience machining plastics, aluminium, stainless steel, and engineered materials.
• Experience in electromechanical manufacturing or laboratory automation products.

What does success in this role look like?

• On‑time delivery of machined parts to Production and R&D.
• Zero workmanship defects on completed work.
• NCR and rework rates maintained within agreed targets.
• Positive contribution to design‑for‑manufacture improvements.
• Accurate time and job‑cost reporting.
• Safe operation and maintenance of Tool Room equipment.
• Effective support of production schedules and NPI activities.
• Compliance with all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

What we offer:

• Exciting career opportunities await you in a growing company,
• An opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team,
• Access to health and wellness programs,
• A detailed induction program.
• Part‑time or Full time work arrangements are available

At Brooks LAS, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. We are passionate about solving real‑world challenges in laboratory automation and empowering our teams to think boldly and act with purpose. Our culture is built on:

• Customer‑first mindset – We listen, adapt, and deliver with precision.
• Agility and ownership – We move fast, take initiative, and own outcomes.
• Global collaboration – We thrive on diverse perspectives and cross‑functional teamwork.
• Continuous learning – We invest in growth, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Integrity and respect – We operate with transparency and value every voice.

Brooks Automation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.