CNC Lathe Operator

OneStaff; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

OneStaff in Tauranga, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced CNC lathe operator to set up, program, and operate CNC lathes to manufacture precision components. You will work with the engineering team to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and on-time delivery.

Key responsibilities include tooling changes, reading drawings, measuring parts, troubleshooting, and maintaining records. A relevant engineering qualification or strong practical experience will be considered.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC machinery in engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Ability to set up and program CNC lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience performing quality checks to tight tolerances.
• Strong problem-solving and practical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes
• Producing precision machined components to engineering drawings and specifications
• Completing job setups, tooling changes, and machine adjustments
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and job instructions
• Measuring and inspecting completed components to ensure quality standards are maintained
• Troubleshooting machining issues and making adjustments to keep production moving
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and workflow
• Maintaining accurate production records and following workshop procedures
• Working collaboratively with the wider team to achieve production deadlines
• Providing support, guidance, and knowledge sharing to other workshop team members where required

Skills

CNC lathe setup

CNC programming

Reading engineering drawings

Quality inspection

Troubleshooting

Education

Engineering qualification or trade background

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

This role will see you responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes to manufacture precision components. You will work closely with the wider engineering team to ensure jobs are completed accurately, efficiently, and within required timeframes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes
• Producing precision machined components to engineering drawings and specifications
• Completing job setups, tooling changes, and machine adjustments
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and job instructions
• Measuring and inspecting completed components to ensure quality standards are maintained
• Troubleshooting machining issues and making adjustments to keep production moving
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and workflow
• Maintaining accurate production records and following workshop procedures
• Working collaboratively with the wider team to achieve production deadlines
• Providing support, guidance, and knowledge sharing to other workshop team members where required

About the role:

This role will see you responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes to manufacture precision components. You will work closely with the wider engineering team to ensure jobs are completed accurately, efficiently, and within required timeframes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathes
• Producing precision machined components to engineering drawings and specifications
• Completing job setups, tooling changes, and machine adjustments
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and job instructions
• Measuring and inspecting completed components to ensure quality standards are maintained
• Troubleshooting machining issues and making adjustments to keep production moving
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and workflow
• Maintaining accurate production records and following workshop procedures
• Working collaboratively with the wider team to achieve production deadlines
• Providing support, guidance, and knowledge sharing to other workshop team members where required

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking someone with strong CNC machining experience who can confidently work independently while also contributing positively to the wider team.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience operating CNC machinery within an engineering, manufacturing, or machining environment
• Experience with CNC lathe setup and programming
• A strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, and precision requirements
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience completing quality checks and working to tight tolerances
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical mindset
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work
• The confidence to share knowledge and support less experienced team members

A relevant engineering qualification or trade background would be advantageous; however, strong practical Machine Operationexperience will also be considered.

What’s on offer:

• Full-time, permanent Monday to Friday opportunity
• Competitive hourly rate based on your experience and skill level
• Opportunity to join a reputable and established engineering business
• Supportive and professional workshop environment
• A role where your technical skills, experience, and ideas are valued
• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced team and contribute to ongoing improvements

This is a great opportunity for an experienced CNC operator looking for a long-term position where they can make an impact, share their knowledge, and be part of a quality-focused engineering team.