CNC Machinist

Alignz Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay 1.5x

NZ-owned business

Career development

Job summary

Alignz Recruitment in Christchurch, on the South Island, seeks an experienced CNC Machinist to join a NZ-owned engineering firm specialising in high-performance plastics and precision components. You will program, set up, and operate CNC mills and lathes, developing strategies from drawings or CAD models and delivering first-off parts to tight tolerances.

You will work with CAM software and precision measuring equipment, contribute to fixture design, and mentor others while maintaining quality

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Machining, Fitting & Turning or equivalent.
• 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 drawings or CAD models.
• Experience manufacturing precision components to tight tolerances.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, tooling selection, and machining parameters.

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 metals.
• Design and manufacture fixtures, jigs, and workholding solutions.
• Select cutting tools, feeds, and speeds to maximise efficiency.
• Perform manual machining where required.
• Conduct quality inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specs.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and job records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Mentoring others

Problem solving

Health & Safety awareness

Independent worker

Education

Trade qualification in Machining, Fitting & Turning, or equivalent engineering trade

Tools

CNC Milling

CNC Turning

Mill-Turn

CAM Software

Precision Measuring Equipment

Manual Mills & Lathes

4-axis & 5-axis CNC

Job description

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 independently.
• Positive attitude and willingness to mentor others.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.

Equipment & Technologies

• Experience with the following is highly desirable:
• CNC Milling Machines
• CNC Lathes
• Multi-Axis CNC Machines
• Mill-Turn Machines
• Manual Mills & Lathes
• CAM Software
• Precision Measuring Equipment
• Composite Materials
• Aluminium, Stainless Steel, and Other Engineering Metals

What's on Offer

• 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.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday
• 6:00am start
• Overtime available as required

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and Alcohol Test
• Pre-Employment Medical Assessment
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a trade-qualified CNC Machinist who enjoys solving complex machining challenges and takes pride in producing high-quality precision components. They are confident programming and setting advanced CNC machinery, can work independently from engineering drawings through to completed parts, and enjoy mentoring others while contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.