Tool Room Maintenance Engineer / Toolmaker – Part Time

Are you an experienced toolmaker or engineer who enjoys hands-on machining but doesn't want to work full-time?

Perhaps you're looking to slow down a little, or you're semi-retired but not quite ready to put your tools away?

We may have just the opportunity for you!

Forward Plastics is a well-established New Zealand manufacturer of plastic packaging, operating from our modern production facility in East Tamaki.

We're looking for a skilled, practical and experienced Tool Room Engineer / Toolmaker to join our team on a part-time basis.

The hours are flexible and open to discussion. We're thinking around 2–3 days per week, or perhaps mornings only, but we're happy to discuss an arrangement that works for both you and us.

About the role

This is a hands-on workshop position involving the maintenance, repair and manufacture of components for extrusion blow moulding and injection moulding tooling. You'll be working primarily with conventional manual machining equipment rather than CNC machinery, so we're looking for someone with strong traditional machining skills who takes pride in their workmanship.

Key responsibilities

• Precision machining: Manual lathe and milling work, thread cutting, taper turning, grinding and general machining.

• Component manufacture: Making and modifying dies, pins, blow pins, back plates and other mould components.

• Mould maintenance: Servicing, repairing and maintaining blow and injection moulds.

• Tool preparation: Ensuring moulds and tooling are clean, properly maintained and ready for production.

• Problem-solving: Using your mechanical knowledge and practical skills to troubleshoot tooling issues and carry out modifications as required.

• Safety: Maintaining good workshop practices and a safe working environment.

About you

• Solid hands-on experience in toolmaking, precision machining or a similar engineering role.

• Confidence operating manual lathes, milling machines and other conventional workshop equipment.

• The ability to manufacture, modify and repair components to precise tolerances.

• Good mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.

• The ability to work independently and manage your own workload.

• Attention to detail and pride in producing quality work.

• Experience with plastic injection or blow moulding tooling would be a definite advantage.

• Legal right to work in New Zealand.

Benefits

• Genuinely flexible part-time hours – let's work out an arrangement that suits us both.

• Competitive hourly remuneration reflecting your skills and experience.

• A varied, interesting and practical role where your experience will be appreciated.

• An established NZ manufacturing business with a well-equipped workshop.

• A friendly team and a straightforward, hands-on working environment.