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

About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Mechanical Workshop Foreman in the Technology for Special Operations (TSO) Impact Area, within the Defence and Security cluster.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the management and coordination of all Mechanical Workshop facilities, stores and activities, including all health and safety as well as quality related aspects.
• This position is based in Stellenbosch, full-time on-site and will report to the Research Group Leader. 

Key responsibilities:

Engineering Concepts

• Participates in developing concepts for systems, subsystems, and components; 
• Contributes to internal and external design, evaluation, and review processes; prepares and proposes cost-effective engineering solutions; and provides documentation (drawings, data packs) that meet organizational standards and ensure manufacturability, assembly, installation, and maintainability.

Project Management and Administration

• Gather client requirements and oversee project execution, risk mitigation, administration, invoicing, and completion.

Technical

• Apply technical expertise to solve engineering challenges.
• Advise and operate machinery (Conventional and CNC machinery), tools, materials, software, and processes
• Research and identification of new manufacturing techniques and equipment.

Facility Upkeep and Management

• Manage manufacturing capabilities, serviceability, future upgrades and annual workshop budget.
• Manage tools, machinery, stores, materials, and disposal of redundant assets.

Customer Interaction

• Liaise with stakeholders (internal and external) regarding technical support.
• Conduct training of OEM equipment to external parties.

Document Creation

• Provide input on training material, standard operating and maintenance procedures.
• Control and manage electronic files as required for CAD/CAM software programs.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that quality system and standards pertaining to the workshop area are maintained, imparted on workshop team members and technical support team.

Human Capital Development

• Act as mentor for mechanical technicians and subordinate team members (artisans and engineers).
• Identify skills shortages, areas of growth and create individual development plans and formal training.

Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)

• Act as EHS Representative, manage common PPE and upkeep of appropriate fire / 1st aid certification.
• Perform duties as GMR2.7 representative for the mechanical workshop as well as providing assistance for other related activities on the Stellenbosch campus.
• Perform duties as hazardous chemical coordinator and ensure responsible disposal of workshop waste material

Management and Leadership

• Coordinate and prioritise work as required.
• Keep track of facility budget and expenses.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma in mechanical engineering with at least fifteen years' experience in mechanical manufacturing in a workshop environment, operating equipment such as manual and computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes and milling machines, hand power-tools, metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.

Must have:

• An Accredited Trade Certificate (Relevant to the job description, i.e. Fitter and Turner, Tool and Die Maker or Millwright).
• A valid driving license (Code B or higher).
• Experience with EdgeCam, Fanuc Controllers and G-code programming.
• Previous experience as a Workshop Foreman is required.

Must be:

• Proficient in operating a wide range of machine shop equipment including, but not limited to hand tools, power tools, CNC lathes and milling machines, alignment and other fitting specific tooling.
• Proficient in using precision measuring instruments.
• Physically fit to work on heights, confined spaces, and conduct field work.
• Pragmatic and attention to detail.

Must be able to:

• Read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings, manuals and instructions.
• Take initiative, plan and coordinate tasks and work independently.
• South African citizenship is required; must have or be able to obtain a valid security clearance and must not hold dual citizenship.

Closing Date

• 16/04/2026