CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator

Vulcan Recruit; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 290,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Recruit is seeking an experienced CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator for a Strand-based workshop in the Western Cape. The successful candidate will program, set and operate CNC lathes independently, interpreting drawings and planning jobs from start to finish.

Applicants should have proven CNC turning experience, strong programming and setting skills, familiarity with Fanuc controls, and the ability to work to close tolerances within a small engineering team.

Qualifications

• Proven CNC turning / lathe machining experience.
• Strong programming, setting and operation capability.
• Ability to program and set CNC lathes independently.
• Fanuc control experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC lathes independently.
• Set and operate CNC turning machines.
• Interpret drawings and technical specifications.
• Manufacture components to drawings.
• Select tooling and inserts; set feeds and speeds.
• Set tool/work offsets and workholding.
• Carry out first-off inspections and adjust programs as needed.
• Monitor operations for accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain high quality and productivity standards.

Skills

CNC turning

Programming

Setting

Interpreting drawings

Close tolerances

Education

Trade qualification in CNC machining

Tools

Fanuc control

Job description

CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator

Location: Strand / Helderberg, Western Cape
Industry: Precision Engineering / Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Working Environment: Workshop / On-site
Recommended Salary: R26 000 to R28 000 Depending on experience

About the Opportunity

Our client, a small and established precision engineering company based in the Strand / Helderberg area, is seeking an experienced CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator.

The successful candidate must be a hands-on CNC machinist who can confidently program, set and operate CNC lathes independently.

This role requires someone who understands the complete machining process – from interpreting an engineering drawing and planning the job through to programming, tooling, setup, machining and final dimensional inspection.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in CNC turning / CNC lathe machining.
• Strong programming, setting and operating capability.
• Must be able to program and set CNC lathes independently.
• Fanuc control experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Strong knowledge of:

• CNC turning
• Tooling and inserts
• Work and tool offsets
• Feeds and speeds
• Job setup
• Tolerances and fits
• Experience manufacturing precision components.
• Experience working to close tolerances.

Strong competency with precision measuring equipment, including:

• Verniers
• Micrometers
• Bore micrometers/gauges
• Thread gauges
• Dial indicators
• Precision engineering experience strongly preferred.
• Relevant trade qualification would be advantageous

Key Responsibilities

• Program CNC lathes independently.
• Set and operate CNC turning machines.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Manufacture precision components according to drawings.
• Select appropriate tooling and inserts.
• Determine correct feeds and speeds.
• Set tool and work offsets.
• Set up workholding and components correctly.
• Carry out first-off inspections.
• Adjust programs and offsets where required.
• Monitor machining operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Manufacture components to close tolerances.
• Use precision measuring equipment to verify dimensions.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling and machining problems.
• Maintain high quality and productivity standards.
• Maintain machines, tooling and work areas.
• Follow all health and safety procedures.

Ideal Candidate

• We are looking for someone who:
• Is technically strong and hands-on.
• Can take ownership of a CNC turning job from drawing to finished component.
• Requires minimal supervision.
• Has excellent attention to detail.
• Understands precision and quality.
• Is reliable and takes pride in their workmanship.
• Can troubleshoot machining problems.
• Works well within a small engineering team.