CNC Machinist

About Us

McIver Engineering is a proud Australian-owned and operated company with a rich heritage spanning 78 years. Founded in 1947 in New South Wales (NSW), we began as a specialist in precision engineering and fabrication, serving industries such as manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure with unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Over the decades, McIver Engineering has evolved alongside technological advancements and market demands, growing from our roots in traditional machining and welding to become a comprehensive provider of engineering solutions. Today, we offer a broader range of services that include state-of-the-art CNC machining, allowing us to deliver high-precision components with efficiency and accuracy for complex projects. Our expanded capabilities also encompass custom fabrication, manual machining, quality assurance, prototyping, and full project management, from initial quoting and design documentation to final assembly and delivery.

Headquartered in NSW, our team of experienced engineers, machinists and technicians leverages facilities equipped with CNC technology to meet the diverse needs of clients across Australia and beyond. We pride ourselves on fostering innovation, ensuring compliance with Australian standards, and building long-term partnerships based on reliability and excellence.

At McIver Engineering, our commitment to sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement drives everything we do. Whether supporting local businesses or contributing to large-scale industrial ventures, we remain dedicated to engineering a better future, one precision part at a time.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and versatile CNC Machinist to join our manufacturing team in Artarmon, NSW. The primary focus of this role is to operate, program and maintain CNC machines to produce high-precision components in accordance with engineering specifications. While the core responsibilities centre on machining capabilities, the position requires flexibility to handle related tasks such as creating supporting documentation, assisting with quoting processes, performing manual machining when needed, and contributing to quality assurance. This role suits a proactive individual who can adapt to a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot issues and support broader workshop activities to ensure efficient production and high-quality outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• CNC Machining Operations:
  Program, set up and operate CNC machines (including mills, lathes) to fabricate precision parts from raw materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. This includes loading materials, selecting appropriate tools, and running production cycles while monitoring for accuracy and efficiency.
• Blueprint Interpretation and Programming:
  Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD/CAM files to determine machining sequences, tolerances, and specifications. Use software like Mastercam, Fusion 360 or similar to generate and optimise CNC programs for low- to high-volume production.
• Quality Control and Inspection:
  Perform in-process and final quality checks using precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, to ensure components meet required standards. Detect malfunctions, adjust machine settings, and troubleshoot issues to maintain product quality and minimise downtime.
• Manual Machining Support:
  Occasionally switch to manual machining tasks using conventional lathes, mills or drills to handle custom or prototype work, repairs, or when CNC equipment is unavailable.
• Documentation Creation:
  Develop and maintain detailed documentation to support machining processes, including setup sheets, tool lists, operation manuals, and process improvement reports. This ensures consistency, compliance with safety standards, and knowledge transfer within the team.
• Quoting and Estimation:
  Assist in preparing quotes for jobs by estimating material requirements, machining times, tooling costs, and labor, based on job specifications and historical data.
• Related Workshop Activities:
  Contribute to ancillary tasks such as inventory management of tools and materials, general tidiness of workshop, machine maintenance (e.g., cleaning, lubrication, and basic repairs), and collaboration with engineering or production teams on process optimisations. May include supporting assembly, finishing, or packaging activities as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Safety and Compliance:
  Adhere to Australian workplace health and safety regulations (e.g., Work Health and Safety Act in NSW), including proper use of PPE, risk assessments, and reporting hazards. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workshop efficiency and reduce waste.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance:
  Identify and resolve machine issues, perform routine preventive maintenance, and collaborate with service engineers for complex repairs to ensure minimal production interruptions.

Required Skills and Capabilities

• Technical Proficiency:
  Strong expertise in CNC programming and operation, with hands-on experience in multi-axis machining (3-5 axis preferred). Familiarity with G-code, M-code, and CAM software is essential.
• Precision and Attention to Detail:
  Ability to work to tight tolerances (e.g., ±0.01mm) and consistently produce high-quality parts. Skilled in using metrology tools for accurate measurements and inspections.
• Problem-Solving:
  Quick to diagnose and fix mechanical or programming issues, with a logical approach to troubleshooting processes and optimising workflows.
• Adaptability:
  Comfortable shifting between CNC and manual machining, as well as handling non-machining tasks like documentation, quoting, and quality-related duties without compromising core machining focus.
• Communication and Teamwork:
  Clear written and verbal skills for creating documentation, discussing quotes with sales/engineering teams, and collaborating on projects. Ability to train junior staff or apprentices when required.
• Time Management:
  Efficient in prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple jobs in a production environment, including overtime as needed.
• Software and Tools Knowledge:
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar for documentation; experience with ERP systems (e.g., for quoting and inventory) is a plus.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education:
  Trade qualification as a Machinist, Fitter/Machinist, or equivalent (e.g., Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade from TAFE or similar Australian institution). Additional certifications in CNC programming or quality management (e.g., ISO 9001) are highly desirable.
• Experience:
  Minimum 3-5 years as a CNC Machinist in a manufacturing setting, preferably in industries like aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or general engineering. Experience in low-volume, high-precision work is advantageous. Prior involvement in quoting, documentation, or quality roles will be viewed favourably.
• Other Requirements:
  Valid Australian work rights (citizenship, permanent residency, or appropriate visa). Willingness to work shifts, including potential overtime or weekends. Physical fitness to handle manual tasks, lifting (up to 20kg), and standing for extended periods. A clean driver's license may be required for occasional site visits or deliveries in NSW.

What We Offer

• Opportunities for career progression, including advanced training in emerging technologies like 5-axis machining or automation.
• A supportive team environment with opportunity to learn and grow.
• Competitive remuneration, superannuation, and benefits package aligned with the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award or enterprise agreement.
• Commitment to work-life balance, with options for flexible scheduling where possible.

If you are a dedicated CNC Machinist with the versatility to handle a range of related responsibilities, apply now to contribute to innovative manufacturing projects in NSW.