CNC Machine Operator

Alignz Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modern CNC workshop

Varied projects

Challenging components

NZ-owned company

Supportive team

Overtime pay

Investment in tech

Career progression

Job summary

Alignz Recruitment in Christchurch seeks an experienced CNC Machinist to join a New Zealand-owned engineering company specialising in high-performance plastics and precision components. You will take parts from drawings or CAD models through to finished, quality-assured products in a hands-on workshop.

Using state-of-the-art CNC equipment, you will program, set up, operate, and optimise machining processes while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Machining, Fitting & Turning or equivalent.
• Extensive experience operating manual and CNC machines.
• Experience programming, setting and operating multi-axis CNC machines (4/5 axis, mill-turn).
• Strong CAM programming experience.
• Ability to develop machining strategies from drawings or CAD models.
• Experience manufacturing to tight tolerances.
• Knowledge of cutting tools and process optimization.
• Experience machining plastics, composites and metals.
• Ability to design fixtures and workholding.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Overtime availability.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling, turning, routing, and multi-axis machining centres.
• Develop machining strategies from customer drawings and CAD models.
• Produce first-off components and verify dimensional accuracy.
• Manufacture precision components from engineering plastics, composites, and metals.
• Design and manufacture fixtures, jigs, and workholding solutions.
• Select cutting tools, tooling strategies, feeds, and speeds to maximise machining efficiency.
• Perform manual machining where required.
• Conduct quality inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and job records.

Skills

CNC machining

CAM programming

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Education

Trade qualification in Machining, Fitting & Turning

Tools

CAM software

Job description

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Alignz Recruitment - Christchurch, South Island

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and highly skilled CNC Machinist to join a growing New Zealand-owned engineering company specialising in high-performance plastics and precision-machined components.

This is a hands-on role within a modern jobbing workshop, producing one-off, prototype, and small-batch components for a wide range of industrial applications.

The successful candidate will be capable of independently taking a component from an engineering drawing or CAD model through to a finished, quality-assured product with minimal supervision.

Working with state-of-the-art CNC equipment, you'll be responsible for programming, setting, operating, and optimising machining processes while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling, turning, routing, and multi-axis machining centres
• Develop machining strategies from customer drawings and CAD models
• Produce first-off components and verify dimensional accuracy before production
• Manufacture precision components from engineering plastics, composites, and selected metals
• Design and manufacture fixtures, jigs, and workholding solutions
• Select cutting tools, tooling strategies, feeds, and speeds to maximise machining efficiency
• Perform manual machining where required
• Conduct quality inspections using precision measuring equipment
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications
• Maintain accurate production documentation and job records

About you

• Trade qualification in Machining, Fitting & Turning, or equivalent engineering trade
• Extensive experience operating both manual and CNC machine tools
• Proven experience programming, setting, and operating multi-axis CNC machines, including 4-axis, 5-axis, and mill-turn equipment
• Strong CAM programming experience
• Ability to independently develop machining strategies from engineering drawings or CAD models
• Experience manufacturing precision components to tight tolerances
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, tooling selection, machining parameters, and process optimisation
• Experience machining engineering plastics, composites, and metals
• Ability to manufacture fixtures and workholding solutions
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Varied jobbing and project-based work
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging components
• Stable, growing New Zealand-owned business
• Supportive and experienced team environment
• Overtime available at time-and-a-half
• Ongoing investment in technology and equipment
• Career development and progression opportunities

Desired Attributes

• High attention to detail
• Quality-focused with pride in workmanship
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Self-motivated and capable of working independentlyPositive attitude and willingness to mentor others
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment

Equipment & Technologies

• Multi-Axis CNC Machines
• Precision Measuring Equipment
• Aluminium, Stainless Steel, and Other Engineering Metals

What's on Offer

• Modern, well-equipped CNC workshop
• Varied jobbing and project-based work
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging components
• Stable, growing New Zealand-owned business
• Supportive and experienced team environment
• Overtime available at time-and-a-half
• Ongoing investment in technology and equipment
• Career development and progression opportunities