Job Description

R&D Machinist / CNC Operator

Sydney | Full-time | Onsite

The Mission

Bring 5-axis CNC in-house and become the person who turns small, awkward, high-tolerance robot parts into fast R&D iteration. 

The Challenge

Programming, setting and operating a 5-axis CNC for small, complex metal prototype parts.

Solving workholding, jigging, soft-jaw and fixture problems for parts that are difficult by nature:

• Making *tiny* gears, compact components, assembly aids and test fixtures that speed up hardware development
• Working with aluminium, stainless steel, brass and other prototype metals where fidelity matters
• Feeding practical DFM advice back to engineers before awkward geometry becomes a recurring problem
• Supporting module builds, gearbox work and hands-on integration where machining meets mechatronics
• Helping build the internal rapid-manufacturing capability around modern equipment and fast iteration

This isn't production machining, job-shop repetition or parts-per-day output. It's R&D machining for someone who likes solving the part before cutting it.

The Bar

• Proven ability to program, set and operate 5-axis CNC machines
• Experience making small, complex, high-tolerance components
• Strong fixture, jig, soft-jaw and workholding problem-solving ability
• Enough experience to look at a difficult part and know where the real manufacturing risk sits
• Comfort working from a clear backlog without needing step-by-step supervision
• Expert communicator: work with the engineering team to drive optimal, commercial design behaviours

Gears are highly regarded. Swiss-type CNC's a serious bonus. 

Trade qualifications are useful, but aptitude and adaptability matter more.

The Hire

• Someone who gets interested when the part's tiny, annoying to hold or awkward to fixture
• You care about clean setups, smart process, good feedback and making the next version easier than the last one
• You'll need enough experience to add capability immediately, but the right attitude isn't “I make what I’m given”. It's “I can make this, but here’s how to make it smarter next time”

The "Why me?"

• External suppliers can make parts. They can't sit inside the engineering loop
• This role exists to shorten the distance between design, machined part, physical test and next revision

The "Why this?"

• • Own early internal 5-axis CNC capability
  • Work with modern equipment in a growing R&D lab
  • Make difficult, high-value parts for a real robotics product
  • Influence how engineers design for manufacture
  • Avoid repetitive production work and unit-cost obsession
  • Be part of the design loop, not treated like an external supplier

If you're the person people ask when a part looks impossible, we should talk.