Technical Assistant Level 11

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks a Technical Assistant for its Mechanical Workshop. The successful candidate will manage workshop operations, support research and teaching activities, and conduct repairs and custom project work. Applicants should have robust mechanical engineering qualifications, hands-on machining experience, and strong CAD/CAM skills. This position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to academic research while developing practical skills in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in mechanical engineering, machining, and fabrication.
• Ability to operate workshop machinery including advanced fabrication equipment.
• Strong skills in CAD/CAM systems and technical drawing preparation.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the operation of the workshop and supporting research needs.
• Designing and repairing mechanical equipment for research labs.
• Managing procurement and inventory of workshop equipment.

Skills

Mechanical engineering expertise

Machining experience

Leadership and team management

CAD/CAM skills

Communication skills

Education

Industry certification (NQF level 7 or higher) or significant workshop experience

Tools

Workshop machinery

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Overview

Faculty of Science
Department of Physics
Technical Assistant (Post Level 11) (Stellenbosch Campus)

The Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications for the position of Technical Assistant in the Department's Mechanical Workshop. The incumbent will support research, teaching, and technical operations by delivering high-quality machining, fabrication, and workshop services.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing and managing the operation of the workshop, supporting research and teaching needs.
• Performing all the duties of a mechanical technician in the mechanical workshop, operating all machinery and completing jobs submitted by internal and external staff, as well as contract jobs.
• Designing, constructing, installing, testing, refitting, and repairing mechanical equipment and components for experiments, research labs, and teaching labs.
• Supporting and assisting technical staff, students, and researchers with projects related to their mechanical needs.
• Advising on materials, costs, feasibility, and timescales for projects; liaising closely with academic and research staff.
• Maintaining and upgrading machines and tools (lathes, mills, welding apparatus, etc.).
• Ensuring health and safety compliance.
• Managing the procurement and inventory of workshop equipment and materials; assisting with drafting the workshop budget.
• Providing technical drawings and assistance in CAD/CAM software and other digital tools.
• Participating in departmental meetings and contributing to the technical strategy of the Department.
• Overseeing the regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of workshop machines.
• Supporting and providing on-the-job training and skills development programmes for interns.
• Participating in continuing professional development courses to keep skills and knowledge up to date.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Industry certification (NQF level 7 or higher), OR significant workshop experience.
• Proven expertise in mechanical engineering, machining, and fabrication, ideally in an academic or research environment.
• Proven expertise in operating a range of workshop machinery, including advanced fabrication equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of and hands-on experience with conventional workshop machinery.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations and workshop best practices.
• Strong skills in CAD/CAM systems and technical drawing preparation.
• The ability to plan, organise, and prioritise multiple concurrent projects efficiently.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, including training and mentoring staff and students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with Faculty, students, and external suppliers.
• Commitment to continual professional development and staying current with technological advances, including participation in continuing professional development courses.
• Experience in machining various materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, wood, and plastics.
• Experience supporting experimental research, ideally in a university-based or Research and Development setting.

Recommendations

• Prior experience in an academic or research environment will be highly advantageous.
• The ability to teach or train technical staff, interns, and postgraduate students in safe workshop practices and technical design.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills for managing diverse requests and projects.
• Proactive approach to health and safety, with up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards.
• Enthusiasm for technical problem-solving and innovation in experimental physics and engineering contexts.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking "Apply now" at the top to the right of the page for the specific vacancy.

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan. Only South African citizens from the designated groups will be considered for appointment. Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three references), must reach the University before or on the closing date in the advertisement.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires people in occupations that entail potential exposure to certain hazards to undergo medical screening to determine whether they are fit to work in those occupations.

If you have received no feedback from the University after four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries

Enquiries about this post: Prof SM Wyngaardt or Prof PH Neethling on 021 808 3379, or 021 808 3365. Enquiries about remuneration/benefits and technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre, on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch), or 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg).

Currency: ZAR

Commencement Date: 01-Mar-2026

Closing Date: 13-Feb-2026

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