Mechanical Workshop Assistant at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Mechanical Workshop Assistant in the Landward Sciences Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with mechanical manufacturing, fabrication, refurbishment, and repair activities within the rapid prototyping workshop. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute workshop fabrication and assembly tasks as required for rapid prototyping;
• Assist other technicians and support staff with technical work as required and to specific order and under supervision of the technician, e.g., cutting materials, welding, painting frames and assembling parts, holding or moving parts, breaking down parts, preparation tasks, etc.;
• Support and execute in-field fabrication, assembly/stripping and testing work/assistance, maintenance as needed and contracted;
• Package, transport, load and unload workshop products and materials using forklift, cranes and slings;
• Operate hand tools and equipment according to established safety procedures;
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, working in confined spaces and working at heights;
• Perform general preventive maintenance of tools and equipment the mechanical workshop;
• Identify and report condition and maintenance requirements of equipment and facilities;
• Take stock of fabrication consumables and request replenishment bi-weekly;
• Handle recycling of workshop waste;
• Clean mechanical tool store and material store;
• Assist with escorting and supervising external contactors.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent certificate with at least two years’ experience in similar role and environment;
• A welding certificate will be advantageous;
• Experience in operating specialised workshop equipment such as CNC machines will be advantageous;
• Experience with working at heights and closed/confined spaces;
• Experience in fork-lift and overhead crane operation;
• Must have working knowledge in the following:
  • Operation and handling of general and power tools e.g. grinder, cutters, reamers, drills, band saw and other workshop equipment;
  • Milling machines and lathes;
• Attention to detail;
• Must be computer literate;
• Must have Code 10 or higher and PDP licence;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Knowledge of mechanical workshop ISO standards, initiatives and accreditation.