Testing Officer: Mechanical Testing Laboratory at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Testing Officer in the Mining and Training and Testing impact area within the Mining cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to provide quotations for, arrange and carry out mechanical testing and related activities as part of the day-to-day operations of the mechanical test laboratory, and to ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements and achieving operational targets. The position is based in Cottesloe. 

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure that testing of standardized (routine) tests are carried out according to established test methods (national, international and in-house developed) and standard operating procedures in order to comply with laboratory quality standards:;
• Provide guidance to laboratory assistants in sample preparation and test set-up to ensure validity of test results and to prevent damage to equipment;
• Compile test certificates in line with laboratory quality standards to deliver a professional product to the customer. This includes the technical content of the document but also correct spelling and grammar, style and layout;
• Accountable for ensuring traceability of test items throughout their life in the laborator;
• Be responsible for all technical aspects related to the use of the various test machines in order to carry out tests safely and correctly;
• Ensure machine and related equipment are serviceable and safe to use;
• Customer liaison from initial test enquiry to final delivery of the test certificate is the responsibility of the test officer;
• Handle customer applications and requests for testing to ensure that customer needs are understood and the customer is informed of the services the laboratory can offer;
• Liaise with customers regarding scheduling of tests, special requirements for testing and to keep customers updated with progress or to notify customer of special circumstances that hinder completion of the work;
• Be accountable for the safety of persons involved in the execution of a test and that of visitors witnessing the test;
• Compile quotations in line with the laboratory pricing model in order to meet the financial targets of the laboratory; 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant NQF level 6 qualification;
• A minimum of three years’ experience in operating machines, using measuring equipment, dealing with customers, writing technical reports, and processing data is required for the candidate to be able to operate at the required level of proficiency that this position demands;
• Experience working with hazardous substances;
• Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office Package) skills;
• Verbal and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of ISO 17025;
• Technical proficiency / aptitude;
• Ability to pay attention to detail;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).