Factory Machinist / Machine Operator (Milling Machine, Lathe, Top-Down Drill)

Objective Personnel; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Objective Personnel in Pretoria seeks an experienced machinist to operate bench lathes, milling machines and top-down drill presses with accuracy. The role requires attention to detail, calibration of measuring tools and adherence to quality protocols for stainless steel fabrication and medical device components.

Applicants should have the relevant Matric and Trade/Tech qualification, along with extensive hands-on experience in a precision manufacturing setting and the ability to work under

Qualifications

• Matric or Senior Certificate is required.
• Trade/tech qualification strongly preferred for fitting and turning or machining.
• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on machine shop experience in precision environments.

Responsibilities

• Highlight constraints or risks impacting production schedules.
• Perform quality control checks and ensure approvals on time.
• Notify supervisor of quality issues, defects or delays.
• Complete and file all job cards and documentation accurately.
• Set up, calibrate and operate bench milling, manual lathe, and large top-down drill.
• Interpret drawings, work orders and specifications accurately.
• Load stainless steel/materials and perform precision machining to completion.
• Assist with basic CNC, press brake or polishing machinery when needed.
• Conduct daily machine checks and perform preventative maintenance.
• Report faults promptly and assist with minor repairs.
• Maintain calibration schedules for machinery and tools.
• Maintain cleanliness in the machine area and follow safety rules.
• Observe PPE requirements and factory policies at all times.
• Record hazards, near-misses and incidents timeously.
• Inspect components using calipers, micrometers and height gauges.
• Contribute to non-conformance investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensure traceability and standards compliance for medical/sterilizer components.

Skills

5+ years machining experience

Lathes operation

Bench milling

Top-down drill presses

Quality awareness

Calipers & micrometers

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

Matric / Senior Certificate

N3 / Trade Test in Fitting & Turning or Machining

Job description

Qualification

• Matric / Senior Certificate
• N3 / Trade Test in Fitting & Turning or Machining (Strongly Preferred).

Requirements

• 5+ years' proven experience operating conventional lathes, bench milling machines, and heavy top-down drill presses in a precision manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• In-house machine setup and safety protocol training.
• ISO 3834 and Medical Device quality standards awareness.
• Practical experience in stainless steel fabrication, pressure vessels, or medical device manufacturing.
• Methodical approach with high attention to detail and precision measurement (calipers, micrometers, height gauges).
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, use own initiative, and collaborate seamlessly as a team player.
• Strong mechanical problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Good, respectful communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues and management.
• Takes pride in the appearance and maintenance of the Pretoria facility and assigned machinery.

Duties

• Highlight potential constraints or machinery risks impacting production schedules.
• Ensure Quality Control checks are completed and approved timeously.
• Notify Factory Supervisor immediately of quality issues, material defects, or delays.
• Complete, file, and submit all required job cards and documentation accurately.
• Expertly set up, calibrate, and operate the bench milling machine, manual lathe, and big top-down drill machine.
• Interpret engineering drawings, work orders, and technical specs accurately.
• Load raw stainless steel/materials, perform precision machining operations, and remove finished parts.
• Assist with basic CNC, press brake, or polishing machinery when assigned.
• Perform daily routine machine checks and preventative maintenance (lubrication, coolant, bit/tool sharpening).
• Report mechanical faults immediately and assist maintenance with minor repairs.
• Maintain maintenance and calibration schedules for assigned machinery and measuring tools.
• Maintain strict cleanliness and housekeeping in machine area.
• Operate machinery in strict accordance with safety procedures and statutory regulations.
• Wear required PPE at all times (safety glasses, hairnets, protective footwear, ear protection).
• Adhere strictly to factory policies (e.g., no cell phones in production area, clear demarcations).
• Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents timeously.
• Inspect components during and after production using calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Perform non-conformance (NCA) investigations where required and implement corrective measures.
• Ensure full traceability and standards adherence for medical/sterilizer components.