CNC Milling Operator

Vulcan Recruit; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 142,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Recruit is seeking an experienced CNC Milling Operator for a hands-on role in our Strand/Helderberg workshop.

You will operate CNC milling machines, read engineering drawings, monitor tooling and precision performance, and ensure components meet specifications. CNC programming is not required.

Ideal candidates have practical milling experience, familiarity with precision measuring tools, and a commitment to quality and safety in a small engineering team.

Qualifications

• Hands-on CNC Milling Operator experience.
• Experience operating CNC milling machines.
• Reading engineering drawings confidently.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC milling machines safely and efficiently.
• Load and unload raw materials and components.
• Position and secure components correctly in the machine.
• Run existing CNC programs.
• Follow engineering drawings, job cards and machining instructions.
• Monitor the machine throughout the machining process.
• Carry out tool changes where required.
• Monitor cutting tools for wear or damage.
• Identify basic machining or tooling problems.
• Report machine, tooling or program problems to the appropriate Programmer / Setter or supervisor.
• Check components throughout the machining process.
• Manufacture components according to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform first-off and in-process dimensional checks where required.
• Inspect finished components for accuracy and quality.
• Use precision measuring instruments correctly.
• Maintain consistent production and quality standards.
• Keep CNC machines, tooling and the general work area clean and organised.
• Follow all workshop health and safety procedures.

Skills

CNC milling experience

Reading drawings

Precision measuring

Quality inspection

Tool wear awareness

Education

Machining/Engineering qualification advantageous

Tools

Verniers

Micrometers

Depth gauges

Bore gauges

Dial indicators

Job description

CNC Milling Operator

Location: Strand / Somerset West / Helderberg, Western Cape
Industry: Precision Engineering / Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Working Environment: Workshop / On-site
Salary: R14 000

About the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established precision engineering company based in the Strand / Helderberg area, is looking for an experienced CNC Milling Operator to join their workshop team.

This is a hands-on CNC operating position. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating CNC milling machines and manufacturing accurate components according to engineering drawings, specifications and existing CNC programs.

CNC programming experience is NOT required for this position.

The ideal candidate will have solid practical CNC milling experience, understand precision machining and be comfortable monitoring machines and checking finished components for accuracy and quality.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven hands-on experience as a CNC Milling Operator / CNC Machine Operator.
• Strong experience operating CNC milling machines.
• CNC programming experience is NOT required.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Experience working with precision-machined components.
• Understanding of CNC milling operations.
• Basic understanding of cutting tools and tooling.
• Ability to identify tool wear or damaged tooling.
• Experience working to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Ability to use precision measuring equipment confidently.
• Ability to check and inspect your own components.
• Previous experience within a precision engineering, machining or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Fanuc experience advantageous but not essential.
• Relevant machining or engineering qualification advantageous but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate CNC milling machines safely and efficiently.
• Load and unload raw materials and components.
• Position and secure components correctly in the machine.
• Run existing CNC programs.
• Follow engineering drawings, job cards and machining instructions.
• Monitor the machine throughout the machining process.
• Carry out tool changes where required.
• Monitor cutting tools for wear or damage.
• Identify basic machining or tooling problems.
• Report machine, tooling or program problems to the appropriate Programmer / Setter or supervisor.
• Check components throughout the machining process.
• Manufacture components according to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform first-off and in-process dimensional checks where required.
• Inspect finished components for accuracy and quality.
• Use precision measuring instruments correctly.
• Maintain consistent production and quality standards.
• Keep CNC machines, tooling and the general work area clean and organised.
• Follow all workshop health and safety procedures.

Precision Measuring Equipment

The successful candidate should be comfortable using:

• Verniers
• Micrometers
• Depth gauges
• Bore gauges
• Dial indicators
• Other relevant precision measuring equipment

What Is NOT Required

• The successful candidate does NOT need to:
• Program CNC milling machines from scratch.
• Write CNC programs.
• Be a CNC Programmer.
• Develop new machining programs independently.
• The primary requirement is strong CNC milling machine operating experience.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced, hands-on CNC Milling Operator.
• Be comfortable operating CNC milling machines independently.
• Have excellent attention to detail.
• Understand measurements and tolerances.
• Be quality-focused and accurate.
• Be able to identify when a machining process or finished component does not look correct.
• Be reliable and dependable.
• Take pride in producing quality work.
• Follow instructions accurately.
• Work well within a small precision engineering team.
• Be committed to workshop safety and quality.