Senior Lab Technician - Mechanical Engineering

Durban University of Technology; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Durban University of Technology (DUT) seeks a Senior Technician with a Mechanical Engineering background to lead laboratory and workshop operations. The role requires at least 3 years of technical/industrial experience and the ability to support undergraduate and postgraduate practicals.

You will manage staff, maintain equipment, and ensure a safe, fully functional lab environment while contributing to research and entrepreneurial activities within the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/BTech in Mechanical Engineering (NQF 7) or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of technical/industrial experience.
• Experience with CNC machines is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing and analysis for undergraduate and postgraduate students, DUT staff, students and industry clients.
• Oversee operations of all laboratories/workshops in the department.
• Manage and monitor all laboratory/workshop staff.
• Ensure laboratories under management are safe and fully functional for practicals and projects.
• Carry out maintenance of laboratory equipment and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Maintain inventory and coordinate purchases of consumables and capital items.
• Assist with seminars, lectures, and development of state-of-the-art laboratories.
• Support academic staff in assessing student performance through practical assessments.
• Provide resources and technical support to students for their practicals and projects.
• Support Research and Entrepreneurial activities in the department.
• Serve as Invigilator for examinations under the Chief Invigilator.

Skills

Strong communication

People management

Troubleshooting

Lab safety

Technical diligence

Education

Bachelor's/BTech in Mechanical Engineering (NQF 7)

Tools

CNC machines

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Job description

Durban University of Technology (DUT) seeks a Senior Technician with a Mechanical Engineering background to lead laboratory and workshop operations. The role requires at least 3 years of technical/industrial experience and the ability to support undergraduate and postgraduate practicals.

You will manage staff, maintain equipment, and ensure a safe, fully functional lab environment while contributing to research and entrepreneurial activities within the department.