Metal Machinists (First Class) | Australian Opportunities

We are actively seeking experienced Metal Machinists (First Class) from Australia and around the world for long-term positions with reputable Australian employers.

Our clients are looking for highly skilled Machinists with strong experience in precision machining, setting up and operating machine tools, interpreting engineering drawings and producing components to exact specifications and tolerances.

We have opportunities with established engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and industrial businesses across Australia.

We are particularly interested in tradespeople with strong conventional/manual machining skills, although experience with CNC machining is also highly regarded.

Our clients offer competitive salaries and hourly rates, together with visa sponsorship and relocation support for suitable international candidates.

Why Join Through Us?

You Solved, together with our migration team at Pacific Education & Visa Services, works with trusted Australian employers looking for skilled Metal Machinists for genuine long-term positions.

As specialists in international recruitment and employer-sponsored migration, we support suitable candidates from initial assessment and employer matching through to visa, relocation and onboarding.

Pacific Education & Visa Services and You Solved have helped thousands of applicants pursue employment and migration opportunities across Australia.

Depending on the employer and position, opportunities may include:

Subclass 482 visa sponsorship, with potential future permanent residency pathways for eligible candidates
Competitive salaries and hourly rates
Relocation and accommodation assistance
Support with family relocation and visa applications
Excellent working conditions and long-term career opportunities
Opportunities with established Australian engineering and manufacturing businesses

The Role

As a Metal Machinist (First Class), you will be responsible for setting up and operating machine tools to manufacture, modify and repair precision metal components to engineering specifications.

The exact mix of work will vary between employers and positions, and we will aim to match your machining experience and technical background with a suitable Australian employer.

Key Duties May Include:

Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and job requirements
Determine suitable materials, machining methods, sequences of operation and machine settings
Set up and operate manual and/or CNC machine tools
Machine metal components using processes including turning, boring, milling, drilling, grinding, shaping and slotting
Set cutting tools, speeds, feeds, guides, stops and other machine controls
Manufacture and modify components to specified dimensions and fine tolerances
Use precision measuring instruments including micrometers, vernier calipers, gauges and other measuring equipment
Check completed components for accuracy, dimensions, tolerances, clearance and fit
Fit and assemble machined and fabricated components where required
Diagnose machining issues and make adjustments to achieve required specifications
Perform routine maintenance and operational checks on machine tools and equipment
Repair or modify mechanical components as required
Work safely in accordance with workplace procedures and Safe Operating Procedures
Maintain accurate job and production records where required
Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and workmanship
Assist with the training and supervision of apprentices or junior tradespeople where applicable

Key Requirements

Recognised trade qualification in Metal Machining, Mechanical Engineering – Machining or an equivalent mechanical trade
Strong practical experience working as a Metal Machinist / Machinist (First Class)
Demonstrated experience setting up and operating machine tools
Strong knowledge of conventional/manual machining
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
Experience machining components to precise dimensions and tolerances
Confident using precision measuring instruments
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality
Ability to work independently and as part of an engineering or workshop team
Commitment to safe working practices
Willingness to relocate within Australia where required
Ability to pass drug and alcohol testing where required by the employer

Highly Regarded Experience

Depending on the employer, experience in any of the following may be highly regarded:

Manual lathes and milling machines
CNC lathes and machining centres
Jobbing workshop environments
Small and large-scale machining jobs
One-off and specialised component manufacture
Repair and modification of existing components
Precision and close-tolerance machining
Heavy engineering and industrial machining
CNC programming, setting and operation
Training or supervising apprentices

For international applicants, a positive skills assessment outcome from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or the relevant Australian assessing authority is highly desirable. Please indicate in your application if you already hold a positive skills assessment or are currently completing the assessment process.

We welcome applications from experienced Machinists across different engineering environments. Whether your background is in general engineering, jobbing workshops, manufacturing, heavy industry, maintenance or precision machining, please clearly outline the machines you operate, the types of components you produce and the tolerances you regularly work to in your application.

These positions offer excellent career opportunities with established Australian employers, with visa sponsorship available for suitable international applicants.

This is not an entry-level or machine operator position. We are looking for experienced Metal Machinists (First Class) who can independently set up and operate machine tools, interpret engineering drawings and consistently produce accurate, high-quality work.