Principal Technician

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) seeks a Principal Technician to lead workshop activities, ensuring safe operation and practical translation of academic concepts into usable equipment for teaching and research.

The role requires hands‑on expertise in fitting, turning, machining, welding and repair of electronic components, plus management experience to guide a small team and coordinate maintenance and consumables.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF6) or N6 with trade qualification.
• Minimum three years’ experience in engineering technical support.
• Minimum two years’ management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on teaching support across fitting, turning, machining, welding, and boilermaking.
• Support research with equipment maintenance and pilot‑scale project input.
• Supervise junior workshop staff and manage workshop resources.

Skills

Electrical wiring, panel assembly, and

Machining and fitting

Boiler making and welding

Fault finding and repairing of

Workshop supervision, planning

Education

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)

N6 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering with trade qualification

Job description

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL AND MINERALS ENGINEERING

POSITION NUMBER: P000246

VACANCY: PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN

PEROMNES GRADE: P9

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The incumbent should manage workshop personnel and equipment while supporting the department in designing research equipment by translating academic concepts into practical, implementable solutions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6) or an N6 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering with a recognised trade qualification.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in engineering technical support.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ management experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching/Learning

• Demonstrate practical competence across fitting and turning, machining, welding, and boilermaking, with additional experience in repairing electronic components and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment, contributing effectively to hands‑on teaching, student support, and the upkeep of teaching and learning facilities.

Research

• Practical expertise in fitting and turning, machining, welding, and boilermaking, complemented by experience in repairing electronic components and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment to support research within the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering and the Centre of Excellence for Carbon-Based Fuels. This includes providing technical input on pilot‑scale projects and translating academic concepts into practical, implementable solutions that enhance system safety, efficiency, and overall design optimisation.
• Demonstrate technical expertise in fitting and turning, machining, welding, and boilermaking, with additional experience in electronic component repair and the maintenance of analytical laboratory equipment, supporting externally funded projects and collaborative research initiatives.

Management

• Oversight and supervision of junior workshop staff, including on‑the‑job training, skills development, and the identification of training and capacity‑building needs, while guiding the team in translating academic concepts into practical, implementable solutions. This role also ensures the efficient operation of workshop activities, including managing consumables, scheduling equipment maintenance, and motivating for the replacement of ineffective equipment.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Electrical wiring, panel assembly, and soldering.
• Machining and fitting.
• Boiler making and welding.
• Fault finding and repairing of electronic equipment.
• Workshop supervision, planning, and resource management.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Communication and stakeholder liaison
• Leadership and team development
• Coaching and mentorship

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Mr. Sean Mashimbyiat on 018 299 1661

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993

CLOSING DATE:

10 November 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:

As soon as possible

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.