Tool Setter

Werfnet; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Werfnet is seeking a skilled Tool Setter to join its manufacturing team. The role involves preparing, setting and adjusting tooling and machinery to meet production requirements while ensuring safe operation and consistent quality.

You will set tooling and process parameters, prepare for production runs, inspect first-off components and support continuous improvement to reduce setup times and waste. A practical, detail-oriented mindset and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Tool Setter or similar manufacturing role.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, job sheets, and specifications.
• Competence with measuring and inspection equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Set, change and adjust tooling and production equipment per job specs.
• Prepare tooling, materials and machinery for production runs.
• Set machine parameters and adjust for quality targets.
• Produce and inspect first-off components before runs.
• Record production, inspection, tooling and maintenance data.
• Maintain clean, safe tooling areas.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Reading technical drawings

Measuring instruments

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Safety consciousness

Education

Engineering qualifications

Tools

Presses and moulding machines

CNC machinery

Job description

Tool Setter – Manufacturing

A well-established manufacturing environment is seeking a skilled and experienced Tool Setter to join its production team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, setting and adjusting production tooling and machinery to meet production requirements, while ensuring safe and efficient equipment operation and consistent product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Set, change and adjust tooling and associated production equipment according to job specifications and production schedules.
• Prepare tooling, materials and machinery for production runs.
• Set machine parameters and make adjustments to achieve required production output and quality standards.
• Produce and inspect first-off components before production runs commence.
• Conduct routine checks during production and respond to quality or equipment-related issues.
• Diagnose tooling, setting and process problems and make appropriate adjustments.
• Escalate more complex equipment or technical faults when required.
• Work closely with production, quality and maintenance teams to resolve problems and improve equipment performance.
• Complete production, inspection, tooling and maintenance records accurately.
• Maintain clean, organised and safe tooling and work areas.
• Handle, store and maintain tooling correctly and report any damage or excessive wear.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, risk assessments and company processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing setup times, production waste and unplanned downtime.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in a Tool Setter, Machine Setter or similar manufacturing position.
• Strong practical and mechanical skills.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, job sheets and production specifications.
• Ability to use measuring and inspection equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Reliable and safety-conscious approach.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a production team.
• Flexibility to work the required shift pattern.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience setting presses, injection moulding machines, CNC machinery or other production equipment.
• Experience working with dies, moulds, fixtures or precision tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Relevant engineering or manufacturing qualifications.
• Experience with process improvements and reducing machine setup times.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be practical, methodical, dependable and quality-focused, with the confidence to identify production and tooling problems and take appropriate action. Strong communication skills, attention to detail and a consistent focus on safety and production requirements are essential.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment and be confident with tool setting, machine adjustments, production tooling and quality checks. Candidates who can work independently while collaborating effectively with production, quality and maintenance teams will be well suited to the position.