Operator - Cutting
Waikato (6)On-siteFull-time
AI Summary
Operates laser and plasma cutting machinery to produce high-quality steel components, ensuring safety and quality standards in a new production facility.
About this role
Real Steel has opened a brand-new, purpose-built factory in Hautapu.
The site has been designed from day one for high-speed processing, smart material flow, modern machinery, safe workspaces, and future automation. This is a chance to join us at Hautapu from the very start and help shape how the factory runs. As we are currently in the process of establishing our new factory, we will be recruiting for Operator roles over the next few months, with start dates expected between June and August this year.
The site has been designed from day one for high-speed processing, smart material flow, modern machinery, safe workspaces, and future automation. This is a chance to join us at Hautapu from the very start and help shape how the factory runs. As we are currently in the process of establishing our new factory, we will be recruiting for Operator roles over the next few months, with start dates expected between June and August this year.
About Real Steel
Real Steel is a family-owned New Zealand business with a long history in steel processing and distribution.
We supply steel solutions nationwide and operate sites in Upper Hutt, Ashburton, and now Hautapu. We’re known for consistent standards, strong customer relationships, and looking after our people.
Many of our team build long-term careers here. Once people join Real Steel, they tend to stay.
Key Responsibilities
We’re looking for experienced Operators to join our Laser and Plasma Cutting teams at Hautapu. These roles are central to turning raw steel into accurate, high-quality components used across construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing projects.
You’ll be working with modern, cutting edge machinery including a Kinetic K5000 plasma/drilling machine and a brand new 20kW 12m fibre laser.
You’ll be working with modern, cutting edge machinery including a Kinetic K5000 plasma/drilling machine and a brand new 20kW 12m fibre laser.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
• Operate a range of machinery plasma, drilling/machining and high-powered lasers.
• Producing parts to quality and safety standards
• Using overhead cranes or forklifts
• Completing daily safety and basic maintenance checks
• Checking your own work and following quality processes
• Handling materials safely using overhead cranes and forklifts
• Keeping your work area tidy and organised
• Pitching in across the team when needed
• Producing parts to quality and safety standards
• Using overhead cranes or forklifts
• Completing daily safety and basic maintenance checks
• Checking your own work and following quality processes
• Handling materials safely using overhead cranes and forklifts
• Keeping your work area tidy and organised
• Pitching in across the team when needed
Please note, This role is 42.5 hours per week Monday to Friday (hours will vary depending on the day or night shift)
Benefits
- Experience on Laser or Plasma machines or similar machinery (needs to be able to demonstrate experience)
- A solid work ethic and reliable attitude
- Overhead crane operating experience
- Comfort working in a production environment
- Demonstrate safe working mindset especially around overhead cranes and forklifts
- Pride in doing a job properly
- Good communication and a team-first mindset
- Interest in building a long-term career
- Available to work either day or night shift
People from manufacturing, construction, trades, warehousing, or similar backgrounds tend to do well in this role.
Why join Real Steel?
- Be part of the founding team at a brand-new factory
- Modern machinery and a purpose-built production environment
- A company that invests in its people and long-term careers
- Real opportunities to grow as the site expands
- A supportive team culture within a family-owned New Zealand business
We’re proud of the culture our people have created at Real Steel, It’s supportive, practical, and built on people having each other’s backs.
Ready to join the Hautapu team?
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter. Take the first step toward building a future with Real Steel at Hautapu.
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter. Take the first step toward building a future with Real Steel at Hautapu.
Skills
Drilling/machiningForklift OperationLaser CuttingMaterial HandlingOverhead Crane OperationPlasma CuttingQuality ControlSafety Checks
Explore related jobs
More jobs at Humankind
Browse these categories
Market data for this role
All reports →- SeriesRole reportsOne role family at a time: how many openings, what changed this week, who is hiring, what it pays.
- SeriesSalary reportsWhat employers publish in job postings, by level and workplace. Not self-reported pay.
- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.