Senior CNC Machinist Setter
Visa sponsorship
Manufacturing · Dunedin, New Zealand · Full-Time · $38 - $45/hr · Visa: Employer sponsored
For an experienced CNC professional, this Dunedin role is a step into senior, hands-on ownership of complex work. A precision manufacturing business of around 30 people is recruiting Senior CNC Machinist Setters to produce high-mix, low-run components for sectors including aerospace and medical.
The position combines mill-turn, Swiss-type and multi-axis machining with responsibility for quality on parts with complex geometries and demanding tolerances. Beyond running machines, there is scope to coach junior colleagues and shape best-practice standards, which suits someone planning long-term growth as a senior machinist. Permanent full-time roles are offered on day and night shifts.
The company holds Accredited Employer status, New Zealand's AEWV accreditation, and potential immigration support, including sponsorship, is open to exceptional candidates who closely match the skills, experience and attributes it seeks.
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Key Responsibilities
- Own the full setup of complex CNC machining jobs and run them safely, efficiently and to specification
- Translate engineering drawings, process documentation and job instructions into a reliable machining plan
- Decide on tooling, workholding and fixtures, and set the parameters for every job
- Approve first-article parts and carry out in-process checks with appropriate metrology equipment
- Hold yourself accountable for part quality against drawing requirements, tolerances and customer expectations
- Monitor machine performance and production flow, resolving issues before they create bottlenecks
- Escalate programming or process issues when required, applying your understanding of how tooling, offsets and parameters affect quality and productivity
- Manage a number of machines and competing priorities at the same time
- Deburr and finish components to a customer-ready standard
- Mentor less experienced machinists, collaborate with programmers, quality and production leaders on delivery commitments, and contribute to continuous improvement and best-practice machining
Requirements & Eligibility
- Typically 10+ years of professional experience as a CNC Machinist
- A track record of complex setups and tight-tolerance work
- Experience with one or more of: mill-turn machining centres, Swiss-type lathes, 5-axis or 3-axis machining centres
- A strong capability in reading and interpreting engineering drawings
- Advanced knowledge of machining processes and cutting strategies
- Advanced knowledge of tooling and workholding
- Proficiency with precision measuring equipment, for example calipers, micrometers, bore gauges and height gauges
- Practical experience in deburring and finishing components that have been precision-machined
- CMM experience (Micro-Vu and/or Hexagon) is advantageous
- Some exposure to CAM systems such as TopSolid, or to CNC programming, is advantageous
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently while remaining a team player
- Strong problem-solving skills, a methodical approach to troubleshooting and excellent written and verbal English
- A relevant trade qualification is preferred
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