Fitter & Turner / Milling Machine Operator - Contract at West Coast Personnel

• Fitter & Turner / Milling Machine Operator - Cape Town – Contract - R16k to R20k, depending on qualifications, practical milling experience and demonstrated competency.
• An experience Fitter & Turner / Machine Operator with strong conventional milling experience is required.
• This may initially be a temporary/contract position, with the primary requirement being someone who can become productive on our milling work with minimal training and supervision.
• Practical milling experience is essential for this position. 

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and safely operate conventional milling machines independently.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, job specifications, dimensions and tolerances.
• Select and set appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds and work-holding methods.
• Accurately set up and machine components to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform milling operations required for the manufacture and repair of industrial cutting tools and components.
• Measure and inspect own work using appropriate precision measuring equipment.
• Identify machining problems, poor finishes, dimensional deviations and other defects, and make appropriate adjustments.
• Ensure work is checked before being passed to the next stage of production.
• Work efficiently within allocated production times and priorities.
• Carry out basic machine checks, cleaning, lubrication and routine operator maintenance.
• Identify abnormal machine operation and report or assist with troubleshooting where appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe workstation in accordance with 5S and SHE requirements.
• Assist with turning, drilling, tapping, countersinking and other machining operations where required and within the employee’s demonstrated competency.
• Assist elsewhere in the production environment where reasonably required.

Essential Requirements

• 5+ years strong, practical conventional milling experience – this is non-negotiable.
• Experience independently setting up and operating milling machines.
• Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances.
• Sound understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, feeds, speeds and work holding.
• Competence using precision measuring equipment such as verniers and micrometres.
• Ability to inspect and take responsibility for the quality of their own work.
• Good mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work safely and independently in a manufacturing/workshop environment.
• Immediate or very short-notice availability.

Advantageous:

• Qualified Fitter & Turner, Toolmaker or similarly relevant trade qualification; and/or
• Experience in conventional machining where a formal trade qualification is not held.
• Experience operating conventional lathes, drilling machines and other general machine-shop equipment would be advantageous.
• Experience with machinery maintenance, preventative maintenance or mechanical fault-finding would also be advantageous, but is not essential for the immediate requirement.