CNC Machinist – Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing

The opportunity

At AW Bell, we foster an environment where technical excellence, advanced capability, and innovation come together, allowing skilled tradespeople to thrive. With a strong and growing focus on defence and aerospace, we are at the forefront of high-performance manufacturing and are entering an exciting phase of growth, with new projects coming online with leading global organisations.

We are seeking a permanent, full-time CNC Machinist who are trade-qualified, highly skilled operators, with experience on either CNC mills or lathes. This role suits machinists who take pride in precision work, enjoy problem-solving, and are confident setting up and operating machines independently.

This is a day shift (6:30 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday), with a monthyl rostered day off and overtime available. If you value craftsmanship, continuous learning, and a strong team culture, we’d love to hear from you.

Who we are:

AW Bell was established in 1952 and has evolved into an award-winning manufacturer and supplier of high-tech casting solutions globally. 

Renowned for our ability to produce complex metal parts for some of the most demanding applications in aerospace and defence, as demonstrated by our involvement in the F-35 program (see video below), we are now set for significant growth with additional capabilities in titanium and non-destructive testing.

We have been honoured with several awards which include:

• 2025: Leader in Gender Equality and Inclusion - Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards

• 2023 and 2024:  Northrop Grumman Strategic Supplier Excellence Award

• 2023: Victorian Governors Export Award for Manufacturing

What you'll be doing:

• Set up, operate and adjust CNC milling machines and lathes

• Read and interpret technical drawings and specifications

• Produce high-precision components to tight tolerances

• Carry out basic programming, offsets and tool changes (where applicable)

• Perform quality checks using measuring equipment (e.g. micrometers, verniers, gauges)

• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment

• Identify and report any faults or quality issues

• Work collaboratively with engineers and production staff

What you bring:

Our ideal candidate possesses the following qualities, skills and experience:

• Proven experience as a CNC Machinist

• Strong understanding of CNC controls (e.g. Fanuc, Okuma)

• Ability to work accurately with minimal supervision

• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Commitment to health and safety standards

Desirable but not essential:

• Recognised qualification in CNC machining or engineering

• Exposure to CAD/CAM (Mastercam and/or SolidWorks)

• Tool and die experience

• 4- and 5-axis machining

• Understanding of GD&T

• Aerospace or defence component experience

• Understanding of CNC programming fundamentals

If you’re ready to apply your skills in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment, working on high-profile projects with global customers, we’d love to hear from you.

At AW Bell, we invest in our people and offer clear career pathways for those who demonstrate technical capability, strong values, and a collaborative mindset. To apply, please click ‘Apply’ and your current resume.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Applications close on 19 September 2026, but we will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received.

Disclaimer: We encourage women to apply for these positions. Research shows that women are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every aspect of the description we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.