Engineering Technician - CNC Machinist at Phakisa Group

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To provide practical engineering support to the Engineering Department through CNC programming, machining, process development, estimation, and technical problem solving. The position is responsible for manufacturing prototype components, developing machining methods, preparing machining estimates, supporting quotations, and assisting with the design and manufacture of tooling, jigs, and fixtures to improve efficiency, quality, and delivery.

Candidate Profile:

• The ideal candidate will preferably be a qualified CNC Machinist with strong CNC programming experience, a practical understanding of manufacturing and the ability to accurately estimate machining requirements and times. The individual must be able to work independently while supporting Engineering and Production with new product development, machining, estimation, process improvements, and technical problem solving.

Key Personality Traits:

• Have a practical approach to solving problems.
• Be technically minded with a strong machining background.
• Be organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Be willing to challenge existing methods and look for improvements.
• Work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with all departments.
• Take ownership of work and follow tasks through to completion.
• Be reliable, adaptable and eager to learn.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities:
Engineering & Manufacturing

• Program CNC machines using Edgecam.
• Manufacture prototype and development components.
• Develop practical machining methods for new products.
• Optimise cycle times and manufacturing processes.
• Select suitable tooling and machining strategies.
• Support Production with technical machining challenges.

Product Development

• Assist with the development of new products.
• Design and manufacture jigs, fixtures and tooling.
• Review drawings to ensure they are practical to manufacture.
• Support Engineering projects from concept through to production.

Quotations & Planning

• Review drawings from a machining perspective.
• Estimate machining times, setup times and manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare machining estimates to support accurate cost and quotation calculations.
• Provide manufacturing input for quotations.
• Identify manufacturing risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Assist with estimating tooling, fixtures and other manufacturing requirements where applicable.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve machining efficiency.
• Reduce manufacturing costs and setup times.
• Improve manufacturing methods and tooling.
• Assist with Engineering investigations and corrective actions.

Key Performance Characteristics (KPIs):

• Prototypes completed on time and to the required quality standards.
• CNC programs completed accurately and on time.
• CNC machining programs controlled, maintained and kept up to date.
• Jigs and fixtures completed to schedule.
• Machining estimates completed accurately and within required turnaround times.
• Quotation support completed within required turnaround times.
• Machine utilization and cycle time improvements implemented.
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented.
• Components manufactured to drawing requirements.