Machine Operator

Immediate start available for a Machine Operator at a busy factory operation in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will bring structure, accuracy, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

The business promotes from within wherever possible, opening doors over time. You will operate within clear systems and have the support of capable colleagues. There is a strong sense of accountability and pride across the team. Apply now to be considered for this rewarding opportunity.

Safety & Workshop Management

• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient workshop environment following 5S principles by sorting, setting in order, shining, standardising, and sustaining work area organisation, tool storage, and material storage across all workstations and storage zones.
• Coordinate the safe storage and handling of hazardous substances including welding gases, solvents, and cutting fluids, ensuring safety data sheets are available at points of use and that emergency spill response procedures are understood and practised by all workshop staff.
• Enforce strict adherence to occupational health and safety regulations and company safety policies within the workshop, including correct PPE usage, compliance with lockout and tagout procedures, and safe operation of overhead cranes and forklifts by licensed operators.
• Conduct daily pre-start inspections of all workshop plant and equipment including machine tools, welding sets, lifting tackle, and portable power tools, reporting any defects to maintenance immediately and tagging out unsafe equipment until repaired.

Fabrication & Production

• Set up, programme, and operate CNC lathes, milling machines, and conventional machine tools to manufacture precision components to exact tolerances, selecting appropriate cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling for each material type and machining operation.
• Fabricate, assemble, and weld structural steel components, pressure vessels, and piping systems according to detailed engineering drawings, using MIG, TIG, and arc welding processes to produce structurally sound and visually acceptable welds that pass non-destructive testing.
• Monitor production machinery during operation to detect abnormal sounds, vibrations, or output quality variations, stopping equipment for investigation and making necessary adjustments to prevent defective output and unplanned downtime.

Quality Control & Inspection

• Perform in-process inspections at defined checkpoints during production to verify dimensional accuracy, weld integrity, surface finish, and compliance with quality control plans, releasing only conforming parts for the next operation in the production sequence.
• Conduct incoming inspection of raw materials and components against purchase specifications and material certificates using precision measuring instruments including micrometres, vernier callipers, height gauges, and hardness testers.
• Carry out final inspection and testing of finished products against engineering drawings, customer specifications, and relevant SANS or ISO standards, preparing inspection reports and certificates of conformance for each completed production batch.

• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and be on standby as required to support production demands and maintenance schedules.
• For welding roles, proven competency in multiple welding processes and ability to pass welder qualification tests.
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety regulations and a demonstrated commitment to safe working practices.
• The ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, welding symbols, and work instructions to produce components to specification.
• A recognised trade certificate in boilermaking, welding, fitting, fitting and turning, or millwrighting from a relevant training authority.
• Experience in operating material handling equipment including overhead cranes and forklifts with relevant licences.