HamiltonJet is a world leader in the design and manufacture of waterjet propulsion systems for high-speed marine vessels. Our products include sophisticated safety-critical electronic control systems that are designed specifically to optimise the benefits that our waterjets provide.
We employ over three hundred people at the factory in Christchurch, New Zealand from engineering, machining & assembly, administration, marketing, finance and more.
We are currently seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to join our team. Successful candidates will have proven experience setting and operating CNC machines and will be available to work on any shift.
About the Role
Working within our modern manufacturing facility, you'll play a key role in producing precision-engineered components that power vessels around the world.
Your responsibilities will include:
Setting up and operating advanced CNC machinery, including 3, 4 and 5-axis Mill Turning Centres, Horizontal Machining Centres, and Horizontal Borers
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
Performing precision measurement and quality inspections
Identifying and resolving machining issues to maximise efficiency and quality
Conducting routine machine maintenance and equipment check
Meeting production targets while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality
What You'll Bring
We're looking for experienced machinists who take pride in producing high-quality work and enjoy working in a technically advanced manufacturing environment.Ideally, you'll have:
A recognised trade qualification or at least 3 years' experience setting up CNC machines
Experience working with Fanuc controls
Exposure to Okuma and/or Heidenhain controls (Advantageous)
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
A commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
If you're someone who likes working with your hands, has an eye for detail, and is ready to take on a new challenge, then we'd love to hear from you.
All applications must include a cover letter, a copy of your CV, and can be emailed to millie.seaward@hamiltonjet.nz
We are seeking motivated Trade Assistants to join our team on fixed-term contracts, with opportunities available across Afternoon and Night Shift. Our engineering process workers will predominantly complete fettling and metalwork duties, across our Foundries and Impellers departments. These are hands-on positions, using tools and doing manual handling daily.
This position would ideally suit someone who is looking for an entry level on the tools engineering trade and looking to establish a career within the engineering or metal work industry. You may have already completed a pre-trade or have a passion and desire for all things mechanical, or perhaps you enjoy using a variety of hand tools at home and have a desire of making metal products.
Skills required:
Good attention to detail and pride yourself on quality of work.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to work as part of team.
Commitment and willingness to work with Health and Safety requirements.
Proven hand tool experience and metalwork experience.
What we can offer you:
Competitive pay rate, overtime rates and allowances.
Fixed shift patterns.
Opportunity to work for a respected international manufacture brand and learn from the best.
If you're someone who likes working with your hands, has an eye for detail, and is ready to take on a new challenge, then we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply by using the quick apply function on Seek via the following link https://nz.seek.com/job/93215577?ref=direct-share-hirer-jobs-list. All applications must include a cover letter, a copy of your CV, and eligibility to work in New Zealand.
We are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead a proactive seismic resilience project on one of our existing factory buildings. As part of our ongoing commitment to a safe, modern and resilient workplace, we are investing in strengthening this building to meet evolving seismic standards. This is an excellent opportunity to take genuine ownership of a high-profile, board-visible project in a well-established precision engineering business, and to deliver it smoothly without interrupting production or compromising safety.
The successful applicant will be employed on a fixed-term contract basis, reporting within Manufacturing Engineering Leadership.
The Opportunity
You will own this project end to end, planning it, delivering it, and reporting on it, acting as HamiltonJet's single point of contact to consultants, contractors and territorial authorities while keeping our people safe and our factory running. The role combines project engineering and project management across three areas of focus:
Lead Planning
Build a thorough understanding of the building's current state and the consultant reports completed to date.
Act as the single point of contact for structural, seismic restraint and Health & Safety consultants, running a peer review of their key recommendations.
Develop a phased implementation plan (prioritised early works, followed by medium-to-longer-term enhancements), including a safety risk assessment and mitigation plan.
Create and secure Board approval for the project budget, develop the timing plan in MS Project, and maintain the risk register.
Lead Execution
Select and manage capable, flexible multi-trades contractors at the best price, along with any engineering consultants required during delivery.
Coordinate the works around live production and differing shift patterns across all affected cells, so business continues with minimal disruption.
Deliver a “no surprises” implementation, with daily coordination in affected areas, robust JSA and safety processes, and no loss to production.
Ensure qualified people monitor the as-builts and issue the reports required by territorial authorities.
Lead Reporting
Keep every level of the organisation informed – from the factory floor to the Board of Directors – along with territorial authorities.
Deliver the reporting rhythm the project demands: daily briefings with production managers, weekly leadership meetings, monthly SMT and governance reporting, bi-monthly Board updates, and periodic all-employee forums.
Maintain, track and communicate budget performance and the project programme throughout.
About You
Communication and coordination are at the heart of this role. You'll move seamlessly between the shop floor and the boardroom, and you'll know how to sequence works around differing shift patterns, so production keeps flowing. To be successful, you will have:
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant engineering discipline (mechanical or civil/structural), or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience leading and executing major seismic strengthening of existing, older commercial or industrial buildings (industrial preferred).
Proven ability to coordinate works around live production and differing shift patterns to minimise disruption.
Experience managing multi-discipline consultants and multi-trades installation contractors.
Excellent written and verbal communication at all levels, from workforce to Board.
Strong teamwork, coordination and facilitation skills.
A strong Health & Safety ethic, with sound knowledge of construction safety.
Proficiency in MS Office, including MS Project.
Experience dealing with territorial authorities, working within corporate ERP systems, and formal project management training (or demonstrated equivalency) would be highly regarded.
Why Join HamiltonJet?
This is an opportunity to join a high-performing global organisation that values craftsmanship, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will work alongside skilled professionals who take pride in delivering world-class products to customers around the globe, and you'll be trusted with a project that matters to the entire business.
What We Offer
Fixed-term contract employment.
Competitive remuneration, depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity to work for a global industry leader.
A high-profile, board-visible role with genuine ownership from planning through to completion.
A supportive team environment with access to established internal building and process expertise.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced engineering and project leader with a track record of strengthening older buildings – and the communication skills to carry an entire organisation with you – we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant seismic strengthening experience via the Quick Apply function on Seek. https://nz.seek.com/job/94227106?ref=cm-ui
Based in Christchurch, we design, build and export cutting-edge marine technology, and we’re looking for motivated individuals ready to kick-start their careers through our 2027 Apprenticeship Programme.
For this intake, we have 13 apprenticeship positions available across five different trades, giving you the opportunity to find a pathway that matches your interests and build a career in an area you’re passionate about.
Our apprenticeship programme combines practical, on-the-job learning with self-paced theory and eLearning, using resources such as videos, interactive tools and online assessments. You’ll gain real-world experience, learn from experienced tradespeople and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Our Apprenticeship Disciplines
Metal Casting (5 positions) – Play a key role in the first stage of waterjet manufacturing, developing skills in mould preparation, melting and pouring, casting finishing and quality inspection. You’ll learn a specialist trade with expertise that is genuinely rare in New Zealand.
CNC Machining (4 positions) – Train to become a precision machinist using advanced CNC machinery and technology, developing the skills to manufacture complex, high-performance waterjet components.
Mechanical Fitting & Assembly (2 positions) – Learn how HamiltonJet waterjets come together, developing hands-on skills in mechanical fitting and assembly while working towards a general engineering qualification.
Spray Painting (1 position) - Develop practical skills in marine grade surface preparation, paint mixing and spray application, using specialised coating systems designed to protect HamiltonJet components in demanding marine environments.
Maintenance Engineering (1 Position)– Train to keep our CNC machines and plant running at their best. You'll develop fault-finding and preventative maintenance skills across mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
What You’ll Get:
A structured, fully supported apprenticeship programme.
On-the-job training with experienced tradespeople and mentors.
Exposure to advanced, cutting-edge equipment and technology.
Competitive apprentice remuneration.
A culture that values your growth, safety, and ideas.
What We’re Looking For:
Enthusiastic and reliable team players.
A strong interest in trades, engineering, or technology.
A good work ethic, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn.
Good communication skills, you’ll need solid reading, writing, and computer skills.
Problem-solvers and team players ready to roll up their sleeves.
Previous pre-trade qualifications are an advantage.
Apply Now:
Interested in building a career and becoming trade qualified in one of these trades? We want to hear from you!
Apply through SEEK Apprenticeship Opportunities Job in Christchurch Central, Canterbury - SEEK with your CV and cover letter, including the trade you’d like to specialise in or contact millie.seaward@hamiltonjet.nz
Applications close Sunday 11th October 2026.
Get hands-on. Get qualified. Get ahead with HamiltonJet!
The Opportunity
We are seeking experienced Moulders to join our Foundry team at our manufacturing site in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sand moulding is the core of this role, and we are looking for applicants with at least five years’ hands-on sand moulding experience in a production foundry. Our Foundries cast in Aluminium, AB2 (aluminium bronze alloy), and Stainless Steel, so experience across a range of alloys is highly valued.
These roles are integral to our manufacturing operations and require experienced tradespeople who can work safely and effectively across a variety of foundry processes and shift patterns.
Key Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
Sand moulding — floor and track moulding using resin sand (chemically bonded) processes.
Forming moulds and cores, including core making and core assembly.
Preparing, closing and clamping moulds ready for pouring.
Casting in Aluminium, AB2 (aluminium bronze alloy) and Stainless Steel.
Operating foundry furnaces.
Metal pouring activities.
Knock-out of sand moulds and removal of castings.
Water blasting and cleaning castings.
Fettling and finishing castings.
Repairing minor casting defects and surface defects.
Inspection of castings — visual and dimensional inspection, defect identification, and recording of inspection results.
Use of measuring instruments and foundry equipment.
Safe operation of overhead gantry cranes for the movement of moulds, ladles and castings.
Safe operation of forklifts for the movement of materials, moulds and finished castings.
Safe operation of bandsaws, hand tools and powered foundry machinery.
Working in accordance with HamiltonJet health and safety procedures and quality standards.
Hours of Work and Shift Patterns
Successful applicants must be available to work across any of the following shifts as required by operational and production needs:
6:00am – 2:30pm Monday to Friday
7:00am – 3:30pm Monday to Friday
2:30pm – 10:30pm Monday to Friday
3:30pm – 11:30pm Monday to Friday
10:30pm – 6:30am Sunday to Friday
11:00pm – 7:00am Sunday to Friday
A minimum of two weeks’ notice will be provided before any change to an employee’s shift pattern.
Qualification or experience — you will possess either:
A NZQA-recognised trade qualification in Metal Casting and Foundry Operations (or an equivalent overseas qualification); or
A minimum of five years’ relevant experience across all aspects of metal casting and foundry operations.
Sand moulding experience (essential):
A minimum of five years’ practical experience as a sand moulder in a production foundry.
Demonstrated competence in floor and line moulding using resin sand (chemically bonded) processes and or green sand.
Core making.
Additional skills and experience:
Experience casting in Aluminium, AB2 (aluminium bronze alloy) and/or Stainless Steel. Experience across all three is highly desirable.
Fettling and knock-out operations.
Casting inspection, dimensional verification and defect recognition.
Use of basic measuring instruments.
Operation of bandsaws and other workshop equipment.
Safe use of hand tools and powered foundry machinery.
Demonstrated experience in the safe operation of overhead gantry cranes.
Demonstrated experience in the safe operation of forklifts.
Experience with lost wax casting investment processes.
Essential Attributes
The ability to work effectively within a multicultural team environment.
Physical fitness and the ability to undertake demanding manual work using both hand and powered tools, including sledgehammers, disc grinders and water-blasting equipment.
The ability to safely work in a foundry environment involving molten metal processes and radiant heat associated with temperatures of up to 1600°C.
Effective verbal and written English communication skills sufficient to understand safety procedures, work instructions, technical documentation and workplace communications.
Strong self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision while achieving production targets.
A commitment to producing high-quality workmanship within required timeframes.
A thorough understanding of, and commitment to, workplace health and safety requirements within a foundry environment.
The legal right to work in New Zealand, or eligibility to obtain a work visa. HamiltonJet is an Accredited Employer and may support visa applications for suitably qualified applicants.
Apply Now
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to a world-leading manufacturing business, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter via the Quick Apply link on SEEK Metal Casting Trade Worker Job in Christchurch Central, Canterbury - SEEK or contact millie.seaward@hamiltonjet.nz
Applications close: Sunday 11th October 2026
We are seeking a hands on, design focused Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join our New Jets Development Team on the HamiltonJet Graduate Programme. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of our next generation waterjet products, working alongside experienced engineers to deliver innovative mechanical design solutions, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability are at the forefront.
This opportunity will provide exposure to the full product life cycle and commercial requirements of marine propulsion systems.
What you’ll do
Create detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation.
Contributing to the design and development of mechanical components using 3D CAD.
Assist with prototype testing, validation, and design verification.
Supporting new product introduction (NPI) activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
Building an understanding of customer needs and real world product performance.
What you’ll bring:
A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Ideally, you will have completed an internship or have up to two years of relevant industry experience.
Exposure to engineering software tools such as SolidWorks; familiarity with Windchill is advantageous, but not essential.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
A willingness to learn and a growth mindset.
Why Join HamiltonJet?
Work on innovative, real world engineering projects.
Learn from industry leading engineers.
Be part of a globally recognised New Zealand brand.
Develop both technical and professional skills in a supportive environment.
If you’re ready to launch your engineering career and make an impact in a collaborative, innovative environment, we’d love to hear from you.
You can submit your application via the Quick Apply link on SEEK. All applications must include a CV, Cover Letter and confirmation of your eligibility to work in New Zealand.
Please note, this role is a 24 month fixed term contract, starting in January 2027.