CNC Machine Operator / Machinist
Trade · Christchurch Central, Canterbury, New Zealand · Full-Time · $35/hr
Picture a job board that changes daily: a prototype in the morning, a large industrial part after lunch, then a worn component that needs repairing or refurbishing. This Christchurch Central workshop runs CNC milling, turning and multi-axis machines across one-off jobs and small production runs.
That variety means the machinist must size up each job, make sound technical calls and get accurate results with little supervision. The job title on your CV alone will not carry you; the employer checks real, verifiable hands-on skill and employment history.
Employer sponsorship is on offer for those who meet the required criteria. A South African trade certificate helps, so keep a certified copy ready alongside your references.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up CNC machines, then prove and fine-tune each program before a run
- Operate milling, turning and multi-axis equipment
- Read engineering drawings, dimensions and specs, and decide on tooling, workholding and cutting parameters
- Machine parts to the stated measurements and tolerances, measuring and inspecting as you go and adjusting the process where needed
- Find and solve machining, tooling and setup problems, using your own judgement on unfamiliar or tricky jobs
- Handle one-off, prototype and low-volume work as well as complex, larger industrial components
- Machine parts for repair, refurbishment and modification
- Keep accuracy and workmanship at a steady high standard
- Follow safety, quality and operating procedures
- Get assigned work done efficiently and on time
- Share practical ideas for better machining methods and work well alongside experienced engineers and workshop staff
Requirements & Eligibility
- Proven professional experience as a CNC Machinist, with demonstrable hands-on CNC setup and operating work
- Experience with CNC milling, turning and/or multi-axis machining
- Able to set and prove machining jobs on your own and make sound technical decisions independently
- A strong background in precision engineering or similar machining, including one-off, small-batch or high-mix production
- Confident at reading engineering drawings and specifications
- Shows knowledge of tooling, cutting parameters and workholding, and a strong grasp of machining tolerances and dimensional accuracy
- Proven practical troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Experience with complex or larger industrial components is advantageous
- Very detail-focused and committed to quality, with a dependable, safety-first approach
- Works independently and adds value within a team
- Relevant machining trade qualification is advantageous
- Your professional experience and employment history must be capable of verification, and candidates must meet applicable New Zealand employment and sponsorship requirements
- Employer sponsorship available for suitably qualified candidates with verified CNC expertise
Apply: jobs@mzansiabroad.co.za · WhatsApp