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CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka are a practical route into Japanese manufacturing for people who already know their way around a lathe, a machining centre or a set of engineering drawings. Osaka is home to thousands of small and mid-sized machining workshops that turn out shafts, flanges, brackets, moulds and precision parts for larger manufacturers, and many of them struggle to find staff who can do more than press the green button. National job-offer data from Japan’s labour ministry shows roughly 3.4 openings for every applicant in NC machine operation, and the operators who stand out are those who can read G-code, adjust a program and set up a new job without waiting for a senior engineer. These jobs can suit ITI machinists, diploma holders in mechanical engineering and experienced turners or millers who want to grow their skills.
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Most of the work is spread across the industrial belts of Osaka Prefecture rather than central Osaka city. Higashiosaka and Yao in the east are well known for dense clusters of family-run machine shops, while recent listings also show full-time NC roles in Takatsuki in the north of the prefecture. Workshops range from ten-person job shops running a few CNC lathes to larger contract machining firms with five-axis machining centres, and the type of work you do can depend heavily on the size of the company.
For foreign workers, CNC machining may potentially fit the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) field of industrial products manufacturing (工業製品製造業), usually under the machining and metalwork category (機械金属加工), depending on the exact duties and the employer’s occupational classification. A foreign applicant would normally need to pass the relevant skills test and a Japanese test, and the employer must meet the conditions of the scheme. Candidates with an engineering degree who will mainly handle CAM programming, process design or production engineering may instead be considered under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities and International Services status, but that depends on the actual role and is decided by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka 2026 – Quick Overview
| Job Title | CNC Operator / NC Machine Operator |
| Country | Japan |
| Location | Osaka Prefecture (for example Higashiosaka, Yao, Takatsuki) |
| Employers | Small and mid-sized machining workshops, parts makers and contract machining firms |
| Industry | Metal machining and industrial products manufacturing |
| Indicative Salary | ¥250,000 per month (national job-offer average) |
| Experienced Salary | ¥280,000 – ¥350,000 per month in some Osaka full-time listings |
| Education | 10th pass, ITI or diploma in a mechanical trade preferred |
| Experience | Freshers may be considered for basic operation; programming and setup experience preferred |
| Japanese | JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 for SSW; more for programming roles |
| Work Type | Full-time, contract, or part-time |
| Work Schedule | Day shift common; some shops run two shifts |
| Accommodation | Housing support at some employers |
| Overtime | Possible, paid according to Japanese labour law |
What Does a CNC Operator Do?
A CNC operator loads material into computer-controlled machine tools, runs and adjusts programs, and makes sure each finished part matches the drawing.
- Read engineering drawings (図面) and check dimensions, tolerances and surface finish symbols.
- Load bar stock, castings or blanks into CNC lathes and machining centres.
- Select, install and measure cutting tools, then enter tool length and wear offsets.
- Set work coordinates and zero points using an edge finder or touch probe.
- Call up existing programs and run a first piece in single-block mode.
- Edit G-code and M-code lines to change feeds, speeds or depth of cut.
- Write simple programs at the machine for drilling, facing or pocketing.
- Measure parts with vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges and bore gauges.
- Record measurements on inspection sheets and report any drift.
- Replace worn inserts and drills before they damage a part.
- Change jaws, fixtures and vices during setup changes (段取り替え).
- Clear chips, check coolant levels and keep the machine clean.
- Follow lockout and safety rules when opening doors or reaching inside.
- Pass information to the next shift about tool life and problem parts.
Types of CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka
CNC Lathe Operator
Works on NC turning centres producing round parts such as shafts, bushes and pins. Lathe work is one of the most common entry points in Osaka job shops.
Machining Centre Operator
Runs vertical or horizontal machining centres that mill, drill and tap flat or block-shaped parts. Experience with multiple work offsets and fixtures is valued here.
Setup Operator (段取り担当)
Prepares machines for new jobs by mounting fixtures, loading tools and proving out programs. This role is often a step above basic operation and may pay more.
Program-Editing Operator
Edits and optimises programs at the control panel, adjusting cycle time and tool paths. Workshops that make small batches of many different parts tend to need these people most.
CAM Programmer-Operator
Creates tool paths in CAM software from 3D models and sends them to the machine. This role may require stronger computer skills and, in some cases, a technical degree.
Machining Inspector
Checks finished parts against drawings and keeps measurement records. Some operators move into this role once they know the parts well.
CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka Salary 2026
| Position | Indicative Monthly Salary |
| CNC Operator (Osaka full-time listings) | ¥280,000 – ¥350,000 |
| NC Machine Operator (national average) | ¥250,000 |
| Machine Assembly Worker | ¥250,000 |
| Welder | ¥260,000 |
| Quality Inspector | ¥240,000 |
These figures are indicative and come from national job-offer data and a snapshot of Osaka listings, so actual pay can vary by employer, shift and skill level. Part-time and dispatch NC jobs in Osaka have been listed at about ¥1,320 – ¥1,800 per hour, and the base salary in any offer is usually separate from overtime, shift and other allowances.
CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka for Foreign Workers
Foreign applicants usually look at the Specified Skilled Worker (i) route in industrial products manufacturing. In this field, machining is covered by the machining and metalwork category (機械金属加工), and the skills test is run by JAIM (工業製品製造技能人材機構) with applications handled through the sswm.go.jp system. The employer must be a JAIM member and the workplace must be in an industry designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), so not every machine shop in Osaka can sponsor an SSW worker.
SSW in this field requires direct employment, which means the worker should be hired by the company itself rather than placed through a dispatch agency. The government cap for SSW(i) in industrial products manufacturing is 199,500 for FY2024–FY2028. From April 2027, the new Employment for Skill Development system (育成就労) is scheduled to replace the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), with a two-year restriction on changing employers in manufacturing.
Applicants should not assume every vacancy qualifies for a visa. A job advertisement is not a visa guarantee, and the final decision always rests with Japanese immigration. Never pay money to unlicensed agents who promise a CNC job or a visa in Osaka.
Japanese Language Requirement
Basic operation can be learned with limited Japanese, but programming and setup work involves reading drawings, control screens and work instructions, so language matters more as you progress.
- Learn katakana well, because many machine terms and tool names are written in it.
- Know common shop-floor words such as 図面 (drawing), 寸法 (dimension), 公差 (tolerance) and 段取り (setup).
- Be able to read Japanese alarm messages on FANUC or other controls.
- Understand safety signs and instructions from your supervisor.
- Report problems clearly, for example a tool breakage or out-of-tolerance part.
For SSW(i) in manufacturing, applicants usually need to pass the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or JLPT N4 or higher.
Eligibility
- Basic understanding of machining processes such as turning, milling and drilling.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and use precision measuring tools.
- Pass the relevant SSW skills test and Japanese test, where the SSW route applies.
- Good eyesight and the ability to stand for long periods.
- Willingness to follow strict safety and quality procedures.
- Valid passport and a clean immigration record.
Education Qualification
Most Osaka workshops care more about practical skill than formal degrees. An ITI certificate in machinist, turner or fitter trades, or a diploma in mechanical or production engineering, can help show that you understand machining basics. Engineering graduates may be considered for CAM or process roles.
- 10th pass with machining experience
- ITI in Machinist, Turner, Fitter or related trades
- Diploma in Mechanical or Production Engineering
- Graduate degree for CAM or engineering-focused roles
- Japanese national trade test (技能検定) in machining can be an advantage
Daily Work of a CNC Operator
- Arrive, change into work clothes and safety shoes, and join the morning meeting (朝礼).
- Read the handover note from the previous shift about tool wear and pending jobs.
- Check the day’s production plan and collect drawings and material.
- Warm up the spindle and check oil, air pressure and coolant.
- Set up fixtures and tools for the first job and enter offsets.
- Run the first piece slowly, measure every key dimension and get approval.
- Start the production run and check parts at fixed intervals.
- Adjust wear offsets or edit the program if dimensions start to drift.
- Change over to the next job, often several times in a small-batch shop.
- Clean chips, tidy tools and update the inspection record.
- Write a handover note before leaving.
Safety is taken seriously in Japanese machine shops, so operators should never bypass door interlocks, wear gloves near rotating spindles or skip protective eyewear.
Working Hours
- Typical full-time schedules are around 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
- Many small Osaka workshops run a single day shift.
- Larger contract machining firms may use two-shift systems.
- Overtime may be required during busy order periods.
- Saturday work can occur at some shops depending on the company calendar.
Overtime, night and holiday work should be paid at the premium rates set by Japanese labour law, and hours should be shown in your contract.
Accommodation
- Some employers offer company housing or shared apartments.
- Others provide a housing allowance toward a private flat.
- Small workshops may help you find a room near the factory.
- Commuting allowances are common for those who live further away.
- Furniture and utility arrangements differ by employer.
Always check how much rent, utilities and other deductions will be taken from your salary before signing.
Benefits
- Employment insurance and workers’ accident insurance
- Health insurance and pension enrolment
- Paid annual leave according to Japanese law
- Overtime and shift allowances
- Skill allowances for setup or programming ability at some companies
- Possible bonuses at some employers
- On-the-job training
Benefits depend on the company and the type of contract you sign.
Career Growth
CNC Operator → Setup Operator → Programmer-Operator → Supervisor
- Learning to set up new jobs is usually the first big step up.
- Writing and optimising programs can make you hard to replace in a small shop.
- CAM skills can open roles in larger precision machining companies.
- Passing a national trade test in machining can support pay rises.
- Under SSW, experienced workers may later explore SSW(ii), which requires its own test and conditions.
Skills That Can Improve Your Chances
- Writing and editing G-code and M-code by hand
- Experience with FANUC, Mazak, Okuma or similar controls
- Understanding of cutting conditions for steel, stainless steel and aluminium
- Tool offset and work offset setting
- Basic CAM software use
- Reading tolerances and geometric symbols on drawings
- Using micrometers, bore gauges and height gauges accurately
- Fast and safe setup changes
- Basic Japanese for drawings and alarms
- A habit of recording measurements carefully
Documents Required
- Valid passport
- Updated CV with machine types and controls you have used
- Education certificates (10th, ITI, diploma or degree)
- Experience letters from previous employers
- SSW skills test and Japanese test results, if applicable
- Passport-size photographs
- Any trade test or training certificates
Document requirements can vary by employer and visa type.
How to Apply Online
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
List each machine, control system and material you have worked with, including years of experience.
Step 2: Describe Your Skills
Mention clearly whether you can edit programs, set offsets and handle setups on your own, because Osaka employers often look for this first.
Step 3: Gather Certificates
Collect your ITI, diploma, trade test and experience certificates in one folder.
Step 4: Check the Job Category
Confirm that the role fits the machining and metalwork category under industrial products manufacturing if you plan to use SSW.
Step 5: Complete Required Tests
Book the JAIM manufacturing skills test through sswm.go.jp and a JFT-Basic or JLPT test.
Step 6: Attend the Interview
Be ready to explain a past setup or program change, as some employers may ask practical questions.
Step 7: Review the Contract
Check base salary, allowances, overtime rules, housing costs and working hours before you sign.
Step 8: Complete Immigration Procedures
Your employer usually applies for the Certificate of Eligibility, after which you apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate.
CNC Operator Jobs in Osaka 2026 – FAQs
Do I need to know CNC programming to get hired in Osaka?
Not always, but operators who can edit programs and handle setups are often preferred, especially in small-batch workshops.
Which part of Osaka has the most CNC jobs?
Higashiosaka and Yao are known for many small machining firms, and listings also appear in areas such as Takatsuki.
How much does a CNC operator earn in Osaka?
Some Osaka full-time listings show about ¥280,000 – ¥350,000 per month, while the national average job offer is around ¥250,000.
Can I work part-time as a CNC operator?
Part-time and dispatch NC roles exist in Osaka at roughly ¥1,320 – ¥1,800 per hour, but these are not SSW visa positions.
Which visa can a foreign CNC operator use?
SSW(i) in industrial products manufacturing may apply, depending on duties and the employer meeting the requirements.
Can an agency place me in a factory under SSW?
No. SSW in manufacturing requires direct employment by the company, not dispatch.
Is this a guaranteed job offer?
No. This article provides general information only, and every hiring decision is made by the employer.
Is my Indian ITI certificate accepted in Japan?
It can support your application, but employers mainly judge your practical skill and test results.
Final Words
Osaka’s machine shops need people who can think as well as operate. If you can read a drawing, set a tool offset and fix a line of G-code, you may be noticed faster than candidates who only know how to load parts. Build those skills, prepare for the SSW tests, apply through official channels and never pay unlicensed agents.
Disclaimer: All salary figures mentioned in this article are indicative estimates based on published job listings and industry data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and contract terms. They do not represent a guaranteed salary, job offer, or visa approval.