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Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Programmer Operator

Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace

Software Engineering
Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted on Feb 20, 2026

Do you love turning designs into high-precision parts on the shop floor? We’re looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of our machining processes — from first prove-out to smooth, repeatable production.

This isn’t a desk job. You’ll be programming, setting up, proving out, refining, and running parts. You’ll sit at the intersection of design and production, turning engineering intent into robust, repeatable machining processes — and your judgement will genuinely matter.

What You’ll Do

CNC Programming & Machining

  • Create CAM toolpaths for high-precision components.
  • Design and implement fixturing for safe, repeatable machining.
  • Prove out NC programs and bring them into production.
  • Refine CAM programs for reliable, hands-off operation.
  • Run production jobs and monitor quality, tolerances, and process control.

Design for Manufacture (DFM)

  • Collaborate with design engineers to improve machinability.
  • Review drawings for tolerance, manufacturability, and risk.
  • Influence designs toward efficient, robust manufacturing solutions.

R&D & Development Work

  • Support low-volume, time-sensitive, evolving parts.
  • Work pragmatically with imperfect data — but push back if it’s unsafe or unrepeatable.
  • Communicate clearly and use judgement to get results.

Production Lifecycle & Decision Making

  • Decide the right level of effort based on part lifecycle (R&D, early production, mature production).
  • Escalate risks when hands-off production can’t be achieved.
  • Own your processes, communicate constraints, and ensure quality.

What you will bring

  • Hands-on, shop-floor enthusiasm.
  • Ownership, not just following instructions.
  • You are a pragmatic, commercially aware problem-solver.
  • Comfortable in fast-moving R&D environments.
  • You can communicate clearly and flag issues early.
  • You are obsessed with quality, repeatability, and robust processes.

If you want to directly influence how aerospace parts are designed, machined, and productionised — and be trusted to make decisions that matter — this is your role.

Please note this role involves access to controlled/secure technology. Appointment is conditional on passing background/security vetting and, where required, obtaining any necessary export-control authorisations. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with reference to clearance and licensing requirements.