Senior Setter

K2 Recruit; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 390,600 - 613,800; Full time

Job summary

K2 Recruit in Cape Town seeks a highly experienced Senior Setter in precision manufacturing to lead toolmaking and machine setup for high-volume production. You will diagnose issues, optimise settings and ensure first-off approvals, while mentoring operators to uphold quality and efficiency.

You will interpret engineering drawings, perform changeovers, support maintenance and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate required.
• Red Seal Toolmaker certification is essential.
• Minimum 20 years in toolmaking or precision manufacturing.
• Experience in high-volume precision environments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Interpret production docs, drawings and layouts before setup.
• Prepare and set gear cutting machinery for production.
• Perform changeovers, setups and first-off approvals.
• Optimize machine parameters for cycle times and quality.
• Troubleshoot issues to minimise downtime and maximise availability.
• Ensure first-off parts are approved prior to production.
• Monitor tooling condition and schedule replacements.
• Drive Lean/5S and continuous improvement in processes.
• Provide training and coaching to machine operators.
• Maintain calibration records and IMDS compliance.

Skills

Machine Setup

Precision Machining

Toolmaking

Mechanical Diagnostics

Root Cause Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Production Troubleshooting

Operator Training

Education

Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate

Red Seal Toolmaker

Tools

Press Tooling

Milling Fixtures

Pneumatic Tooling

Hydraulic Tooling

Tool Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance

Engineering Documentation

IMDS

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Production Setup & Machine Operation

• Interpret production documentation, engineering drawings and component layouts prior to machine setup.
• Prepare and set specialised gear cutting machinery and second operations equipment for production.
• Perform machine changeovers, setups and first-off approvals in accordance with engineering specifications.
• Optimise machine parameters to achieve required cycle times, quality standards and production efficiencies.
• Troubleshoot setup and production issues to minimise downtime and maximise machine availability.
• Ensure first-off components are approved before production commences.
• Minimise setup scrap and ensure all non-conforming components are correctly identified and segregated.

Tooling, Equipment & Maintenance

• Manufacture, assemble and maintain specialised tooling including press tools, milling fixtures, pneumatic tooling and custom production equipment.
• Perform precision machine adjustments to optimise machine performance and process capability.
• Diagnose machine faults and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable production.
• Carry out routine preventative maintenance and basic machine repairs.
• Escalate complex maintenance issues to the relevant technical support teams.
• Ensure tooling, Gear Hob sets and equipment are correctly labelled, maintained and stored.
• Monitor tooling condition and proactively request replacement tooling or spare parts where required.

Quality Assurance & Process Control

• Collect and verify all gauges and measuring equipment in accordance with IMDS and calibration requirements.
• Conduct first-off inspections and work closely with Quality to achieve first-time approval.
• Monitor product quality throughout production runs and make adjustments where required.
• Identify process deviations, quality trends and root causes before defects occur.
• Implement corrective actions to maintain process capability and product conformity.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, engineering documentation and machine specifications.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records in accordance with company procedures.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing setup times, improving machine efficiency and minimising waste.
• Identify opportunities to improve tooling, machine settings, workflows and production methods.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
• Standardise best practices across machine setups and operational procedures.
• Contribute to productivity improvement projects and operational excellence initiatives.

Training & Technical Support

• Provide structured training, coaching and technical guidance to machine operators.
• Support operator competency development and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Assist operators in understanding machine functionality, quality requirements and setup standards.
• Promote knowledge sharing and continuous skills development within the department.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company Health & Safety procedures.
• Promote safe operating practices at all times.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards through adherence to 5S principles.
• Participate in safety inspections, audits and continuous safety improvement initiatives.
• Ensure work areas remain organised, clean and free from hazards.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality departments to ensure smooth production flow.
• Provide regular feedback to the Team Leader regarding production status, machine performance and technical issues.
• Escalate equipment failures, quality concerns and operational risks promptly.
• Build positive working relationships across all production support functions.

About You

You are an experienced and technically accomplished manufacturing professional with a passion for precision engineering, machine optimisation and operational excellence.

You possess exceptional mechanical aptitude, enjoy solving technical problems, and take pride in producing high-quality work. You thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments where your expertise directly contributes to productivity, quality and continuous improvement.

You are equally comfortable working independently while mentoring operators and sharing your technical knowledge to develop others.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
• Red Seal Toolmaker (Essential)

Experience

• Minimum 20 years' experience in toolmaking, precision machining or manufacturing.
• Extensive experience within a high-volume precision engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience setting, troubleshooting and optimising specialised production machinery.
• Strong understanding of older mechanical gear cutting machines and machine behaviour under load.
• Experience working with milling machines, presses, pneumatic tooling and hydraulic equipment.
• Programming knowledge where applicable.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Languages

• English
• Afrikaans

Technical Knowledge

Manufacturing & Machine Setting

• Precision Machine Setup
• Gear Cutting Machinery
• Toolmaking
• Precision Machining
• Machine Programming
• Production Changeovers
• First-Off Approval
• Machine Optimisation

Tooling & Engineering

• Press Tooling
• Milling Fixtures
• Pneumatic Tooling
• Hydraulic Tooling
• Tool Maintenance
• Preventative Maintenance
• Mechanical Diagnostics
• Root Cause Analysis

Quality

• IMDS Compliance
• Precision Measurement
• Gauging & Calibration
• Technical Drawings
• Engineering Documentation
• Quality Assurance
• Process Capability
• Continuous Improvement

Safety

• Occupational Health & Safety
• Safe Machine Operation
• 5S Methodology
• Housekeeping Standards
• Risk Identification
• Hazard Awareness

Core Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Machine Setting & Optimisation
• Precision Engineering
• Toolmaking
• Mechanical Fault Finding
• Process Optimisation
• Preventative Maintenance
• Production Troubleshooting
• Technical Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Equipment Reliability
• Quality Control
• Engineering Documentation
• Machine Programming (where applicable)
• Operator Training & Coaching

Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Ownership & Accountability
• Decision Making
• Results Driven
• Analytical Thinking
• Communication Skills
• Planning & Organisation
• Patience & Thoroughness
• Teamwork
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Adaptability
• Resilience Under Pressure
• Continuous Learning

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Machine setup completed within engineering standard times.
• High first-off approval rate.
• Achievement of engineering cycle time and production targets.
• Low scrap and rework levels.
• Stable machine performance and process capability.
• Compliance with quality specifications throughout production runs.
• 5S and housekeeping audit compliance.
• Effective operator training and adherence to IMDS requirements.
• Timely communication and escalation of production issues.
• Continuous improvement contributions that enhance productivity, quality and equipment performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly experienced and hands‑on Senior Setter who combines exceptional mechanical expertise with a passion for precision manufacturing and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in toolmaking and machine setup, with the ability to diagnose technical issues, optimise production processes and consistently achieve first‑time‑right results. They will demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail and a commitment to quality while mentoring operators and contributing to a culture of operational excellence.

If you enjoy working in a technically demanding manufacturing environment where your expertise directly influences productivity, quality and continuous improvement, this opportunity offers the chance to play a key role within a respected precision engineering business.