Key Responsibilities Toolmaking & Precision Engineering – Manufacture, repair, and maintain precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, moulds, and machine components. – Build custom machine parts according to engineering drawings and specifications. – Produce high-precision components within tight tolerances. – Modify existing tooling and machine parts to improve efficiency and performance. – Perform precision fitting and assembly of tooling components. – Ensure tooling meets production and quality requirements. Machining & Manufacturing – Operate conventional machinery including: o Lathe machines o Milling machines o Surface grinders o Cylindrical grinders o Radial arm drills o Tool and cutter grinders – Operate CNC machinery where required. – Perform manual machining and bench fitting operations. – Conduct welding, brazing, and fabrication work where necessary. – Manufacture replacement parts for breakdowns and maintenance requirements. Maintenance & Repairs – Diagnose tooling and machine component failures. – Conduct preventative maintenance on tooling and production equipment. – Repair worn or damaged tooling to minimize downtime. – Troubleshoot tooling-related production issues. – Assist maintenance and engineering departments during breakdowns. Quality & Technical Compliance – Read and interpret technical drawings, CAD drawings, and blueprints. – Work to extremely fine tolerances and precision standards. – Use precision measuring equipment accurately. – Ensure all components comply with ISO, safety, and quality standards. – Maintain accurate documentation of repairs, modifications, and tooling history. Continuous Improvement – Identify opportunities to improve tooling reliability and production efficiencies. – Recommend engineering modifications and process improvements. – Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. – Assist with prototype development and new product introductions. Minimum Requirements Qualifications – Trade Tested Tool and Die Maker (Red Seal) must have – N3 N6 Mechanical Engineering qualification advantageous must have – CNC Programming certification advantageous a nice to have – CAD/CAM training advantageous a nice to have Experience – Minimum 10 years experience as a Tool and Die Maker in a manufacturing or engineering environment. – Proven experience manufacturing machine parts and precision tooling. – Experience within automotive, packaging, plastics, FMCG, mining, heavy engineering, or manufacturing industries advantageous. – Extensive experience in precision machining and fitting. Technical Skills Required Precision Machining Skills The candidate must have strong practical experience in: – Turning – Milling – Grinding – Drilling – Boring – Surface finishing – Precision fitting – Heat treatment processes – Tool sharpening CNC & Technical Skills – CNC machining and setup not a must have, but a nice to have – Ability to manufacture complex precision parts Measurement & Inspection Skills Must be highly competent in using: – Vernier calipers – Micrometers – Dial indicators – Bore gauges – Height gauges – Surface tables – Precision measuring instruments Drawing Interpretation – Ability to read and interpret: o Mechanical drawings o Tooling drawings o Assembly drawings o Hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams – Strong understanding of tolerances and fits. Key Competencies Technical Competencies – Strong mechanical aptitude – Precision engineering expertise – Toolroom best practices – Advanced fault-finding abilities – Strong fabrication knowledge – Understanding of metallurgy and materials Soft Skills – Excellent problem-solving ability – Attention to detail – Ability to work under pressure – Strong planning and organizational skills – Good communication skills – Ability to work independently and within a team – High level of workmanship and pride in quality Preferred Industry Experience Experience in one or more of the following industries would be advantageous: – Automotive manufacturing – Packaging machinery – Plastics and injection moulding – FMCG manufacturing – Heavy engineering – Mining equipment manufacturing – Steel and metal processing – Production machinery manufacturing Physical Requirements – Ability to work in a physically demanding engineering environment. – Comfortable working with heavy machinery and tooling equipment. – Willingness to work overtime and standby when required. Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Tooling downtime reduction – Quality of manufactured components – Accuracy and precision of tooling – Machine uptime support – Breakdown response times – Tooling reliability improvements – Scrap and defect reduction