CNC Toolmaker

Jobs 4 All; Lenasia; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Lenasia is seeking an experienced CNC Toolmaker responsible for diagnosing and maintaining moulds and tooling. Key duties include CNC machine programming, tool design, and supporting production quality. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, particularly in plastic injection moulding. This position demands strong mechanical skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams, aligning with strict health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Diagnosing, repairing, modifying, and maintaining all moulds and tooling.
• Programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines.
• Manufacturing and developing new tools as required.
• Responding promptly to machine stoppages and quality issues.

Skills

CNC programming (Edgecam essential)

CNC setup and operation

2D and/or 3D CAD design

Strong mechanical aptitude

Excellent planning and prioritisation skills

Strong communication (verbal and written)

Analytical thinking and sound judgement

Basic mathematical skills

High attention to detail

Strong time management

Ability to work independently and in teams

Health and Safety knowledge

Reliable, responsible and committed work ethic

Ability to read and write

Education

Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role

Minimum 3 years’ experience in plastic injection moulding

Job description

CNC Toolmaker Lenasia

Job Summary / Purpose
The CNC Toolmaker is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, modifying, and maintaining all moulds and tooling, as well as the design and manufacture of new tools when required. The role also supports the Toolroom Head of Department by assisting with planning, staff coordination, workflow management, and improving overall toolroom efficiency.

Hours of Work
As per shift roster:

• Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 17:00
• Alternate Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
• Sunday: As required
• On-call: Required for breakdowns, including after-hours, weekends, and public holidays

Primary Responsibilities

CNC Machining

• Programming, setting up and operating CNC machines
• Proper cutter selection for specific machining applications
• Minimise CNC machine idle time
• Cutting tool management and ensuring availability of correct cutters at all times

Tooling and Mould Manufacturing

• Manufacture, design, maintain and modify existing moulds
• Manufacture and develop new tools as required
• Provide support during mould start-up to ensure:
  • Correct operation
  • Product quality compliance
  • QC approval before release

Mould Inspections During Production

• Cleaning shut-off faces
• Checking wear pad screws and shims
• Inspecting stripper plate screws
• Inspecting tamper slides, handle hole slides and all moving components
• Inspecting ejector couplings
• Checking nozzle-to-sprue bush contact for leaks
• Verifying mould temperature controller operation and settings
• Greasing wear pads, guide pins and moving parts
• Updating date stamps

Tool Maintenance Between Production Runs

• Complete stripping of moulds
• Cleaning of all components and plates
• Replacement of:
  • O-rings
  • Cap screws
  • Springs
• Inspection of:
  • Hot runners (leaks, loose tips, etc.)
  • Shut-off faces
  • Wear pads and shims
• Repairing damaged plates or components
• Repairing or replacing broken mould parts
• Testing:
  • Air valves
  • Core tip air
  • Support air systems
  • Lubrication of all moving components
  • Correct mould assembly
  • Functional testing of:
    • Water circuits
    • Air circuits
    • Hot runners
    • Basic mould functions

Breakdown and Production Support

Respond promptly to machine stoppages including:

• Heater faults
• Water leaks
• Loose or broken screws
• Flashing
• Venting issues
• Ejector problems
• Off-centre moulding
• Any fault preventing production of quality products

Product Quality Support

• Assist in resolving quality issues such as:
  • Burn marks
  • Flashing
  • Water marks
  • Poor surface finish
  • Uneven filling
  • Off-centre products
  • Failed functional tests (drop tests, lid fitment, handle suspension, etc.)

Toolroom Operations

• Organise raw materials, tooling and cutter requirements
• Program and operate conventional machines including:
  • Lathes
  • Milling machines
  • Surface grinders
  • Spark eroders
  • Drill presses
  • Bench grinders
• Maintain housekeeping standards in the toolroom
• Monthly machine cleaning and routine inspections

Technical & Management Support

• Provide expertise on product and mould development
• Repair and maintain toolroom machines
• Assist with work planning and job prioritisation
• Meet departmental KPIs and objectives
• Liaise with sales and quality departments on customer complaints
• Conduct root cause analysis on:
  • Product defects
  • Performance failures
  • Customer complaints
• Implement and maintain the Toolroom Mandate
• Ensure moulds and products remain within specification after repairs or modifications

Secondary Responsibilities

• Identify and address safety concerns
• Conduct visual spot checks on manufactured products
• Complete all reports as required by management
• Perform proper shift handovers
• Train and mentor staff
• Assist other departments when required
• Maintain strict health and safety compliance

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Complete work within agreed schedules and deadlines
• Develop and maintain job costing spreadsheets
• Maintain detailed mould history records
• Ensure all job cards are captured correctly on Shopware
• Maintain cutter stock lists and minimum stock levels monthly
• Ensure machines are cleaned monthly and serviced annually
• Ensure mould availability for production
• Reduce repetitive breakdowns to a maximum of one mould per month

Competencies and Skills

• CNC programming (Edgecam essential)
• CNC setup and operation
• 2D and/or 3D CAD design
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills
• Strong communication (verbal and written)
• Analytical thinking and sound judgement
• Basic mathematical skills
• High attention to detail
• Strong time management
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Health and Safety knowledge
• Reliable, responsible and committed work ethic
• Ability to read and write

Education and Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in plastic injection moulding
• No restraint of trade