About the position
With expertise in CNC milling, CNC turning, conventional machining, welding, and fabrication, the team is looking for a skilled, hands-on Maintenance & CNC Technician to help keep production equipment running efficiently and reliably.
Based in Pinetown, this precision engineering operation supports industries such as mining, steel, rail, paper, sugar, and aluminium across South Africa.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To maintain, troubleshoot, and repair workshop machinery and equipment, with a focus on minimising unplanned downtime and ensuring the client's CNC and conventional machines remain operational so that we can produce, invoice, and deliver on time.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- CNC Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
- Diagnose and troubleshoot faults on CNC milling and turning centres (electrical, mechanical, and control systems)
- Liaise with OEM service agents and technical support when required
- Perform first-line repairs to reduce costly downtime and external call-out charges
- Interpret and work with CNC machine alarms, error codes, and diagnostic screens
- Carry out preventive maintenance schedules on all CNC equipment
- General Machine & Equipment Maintenance:
- Service and maintain conventional milling and turning machines
- Maintain welding and fabrication equipment (MIG, TIG, arc welders, grinders, etc.)
- Maintain hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubrication systems
- Manage maintenance of overhead cranes, hoists, and lifting equipment
- Maintain compressors, coolant systems, and swarf handling systems
- Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM):
- Develop and implement a PPM schedule for all key machines
- Maintain accurate maintenance logs and service records
- Monitor machine condition and flag potential failures before they occur
- Manage spare parts inventory and re-order critical spares proactively
- Facilities & Workshop
- Assist with general workshop maintenance (electrical boards, lighting, plumbing, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements relating to machinery
- Conduct basic risk assessments on equipment and report hazards
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:
- Trade-tested Millwright (preferred) or Electrician with mechanical aptitude
- Alternatively: N3/N4 Engineering or equivalent technical qualification with strong practical experience
- Valid driver's licence (advantageous)
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years' hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Proven experience maintaining CNC machines (Fanuc or similar controllers advantageous)
- Experience with conventional machine tools
- Welding and fabrication equipment experience is an advantage
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Self-starter who takes initiative and ownership of problems
- Strong fault-finding and problem-solving mindset
- Ability to work under pressure when machines are down
- Good communication skills — able to report clearly to management
- Team player who respects the production environment
- Punctual, reliable, and safety-conscious
- Able to prioritise — knows which machine matters most to production output
Desired Skills:
- Electrical engineering
- CNC machines
- Welding
- Fabrication
- Workshop maintenance
- Equipment maintenance
