Senior Machinist (Milling/ CNC)

SUMMARY:
International Company is looking for a highly experienced Senior Machinist with over 15 years of hands-on experience working on manual and CNC lathes and milling machines. This role is central to expanding our in-house machining capabilities. The ideal candidate will not only operate machines but also lead the development of our machining department, assist with equipment selection and procurement, and mentor junior machinists.
Minimum 15 years of experience on both lathes and milling machines (manual and/or CNC).
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Trade Test in Fitting and Turning or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification (Red Seal preferred).
Strong knowledge of machining tolerances, feed rates, tool geometry, and material behaviour.
Capable of working independently and contributing to long-term planning.
Familiarity with both metric and imperial systems.

POSITION INFO:
Operate manual and CNC lathes and milling machines to fabricate precision components.
Assist in specifying and sourcing new machines and tools required to increase in-house machining capacity.
Work closely with engineering and management teams to establish an optimized equipment list and machining workflow.
Interpret and work from complex technical drawings and specifications.
Inspect and measure finished components to ensure compliance with tolerances.
Train and guide junior machinists to improve skill levels, safety, and productivity.
Conduct minor maintenance on machines and uphold safety and cleanliness standards in the workshop.
Maintain accurate documentation of machining practices and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Prior experience setting up or expanding machine shops or manufacturing cells.
Experience in the water, pump, or mechanical engineering sectors is a plus.
Exposure to Fanuc, Siemens, or Heidenhain CNC systems beneficial.
Ability to train and develop others with a hands-on, patient approach.
Strong mechanical intuition and excellent problem-solving skills