TOOLPROVER

Dana Canada Corp.; Kariega; On-site; ZAR 310,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Spicer Axle South Africa (Pty) Ltd is hiring a Toolmaker to set up, operate, and fine-tune tooling and machinery for high-volume production.

You will read engineering drawings, adjust CNC and manual machines, and inspect finished tooling for dimensional accuracy and quality, ensuring products meet stringent specifications and production deadlines.

Join a team focused on precision, safety, and continuous improvement across the tooling shop floor.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) completed.
• Recognised Trade Test qualification as Toolmaker essential.
• N3-N6 Engineering qualification (Mechanical Engineering or related field) would be advantageous.
• Minimum 3-5 years' post-trade experience in manufacturing or engineering.
• Proven experience in manufacture, maintenance, repair, and modification of tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and related tooling.
• Experience operating and setting up conventional and CNC machine tools within a production environment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and tooling designs.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments like micrometers, verniers, dial indicators, height gauges.
• Experience tool try-outs, troubleshooting tooling issues, and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of machining processes, tooling materials, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Ability to work to tight tolerances and meet deadlines.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably automotive.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust CNC and conventional machinery for toolmaking.
• Cut, shape, trim, and prepare materials to specification using appropriate equipment.
• Inspect tooling and finished products for dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
• Measure and lay out materials using precision instruments.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Fabricate and modify tooling including dies, jigs, gauges, and fixtures.
• Ensure safety and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Upgrade machine settings to optimise quality and efficiency.

Skills

Toolmaking knowledge

Machining processes

Quality standards

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Recognised Trade Test qualification as a Toolmaker

N3-N6 Engineering qualification (Mechanical Engineering or related field) advantageous

Tools

CNC machine tools

Conventional machine tools

Hand tools

Precision measuring instruments

Job description

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Responsible for setting up, operating, and adjusting machinery and tooling to ensure efficient production and product quality. The role involves controlling machine parameters such as speed, material feed, and cutting paths, monitoring equipment performance, and making adjustments as required to maintain optimal operation. Additionally, the position is responsible for inspecting finished products to ensure they are defect-free, meet quality standards, and are ready for the next stage of the production process.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Conduct test runs of completed tools, dies, and equipment to verify compliance with specifications, making adjustments as required to achieve optimal performance.
• Cut, shape, trim, and prepare materials to specified dimensions using appropriate machinery, equipment, and hand tools.
• File, grind, shim, fit, and adjust components to ensure accurate assembly and proper functionality.
• Manufacture, repair, maintain, and modify tools, dies, jigs, gauges, and other tooling using conventional and CNC machine tools, as well as hand tools.
• Assemble and fit components to required tolerances and quality standards.
• Inspect completed tooling and finished products for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, contour conformity, and defects.
• Measure, mark, and lay out materials for machining and fabrication using precision measuring instruments and tools.
• Safely lift, position, and secure parts and components for machining, assembly, and inspection activities.
• Set up, operate, and adjust conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery, ensuring tooling, machine settings, cutting paths, material feed rates, and operating speeds are optimized for quality and efficiency.
• Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain productivity, equipment reliability, and product quality.
• Inspect finished products to ensure they meet quality standards, are free from defects, and are ready for the next stage of the production process.

Experience & Education

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Recognised Trade Test qualification as a Toolmaker essential
• N3-N6 Engineering qualification (Mechanical Engineering or related field) would be advantageous.
• Minimum 3-5 years' post-trade experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Proven experience in the manufacture, maintenance, repair, and modification of tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and related tooling.
• Experience operating and setting up conventional and CNC machine tools within a production environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tooling designs, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, verniers, dial indicators, and height gauges.
• Experience conducting tool try-outs, troubleshooting tooling issues, and implementing corrective actions to achieve required quality and performance standards.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling materials, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances and meet production deadlines.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably within the automotive industry, will be advantageous.

Core Competencies:

Technical Expertise & Problem Solving

• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge of toolmaking, machining processes, tooling, and manufacturing principles.
• Applies logical and systematic problem-solving techniques to identify and resolve tooling and production issues.
• Exercises sound judgment and decision-making when troubleshooting equipment and tooling.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and skills development.
• Keeps technical knowledge and industry best practices up to date.
• Takes ownership of personal performance and development.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicates effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
• Builds positive working relationships and contributes to a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism and reliability in all interactions.

Results Orientation

• Consistently delivers high-quality work and meets production requirements.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a sense of urgency in resolving issues.
• Focuses on continuous improvement, quality, and operational efficiency.

Attention to Detail & Quality Focus

• Maintains a high standard of accuracy and precision when manufacturing, repairing, and inspecting tooling.
• Ensures products and tooling meet specification and quality requirements.
• Identifies defects and takes corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Safety Awareness

• Adheres to health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times.
• Promotes safe work practices and maintains a clean and organized work environment.

Dana Spicer Axle South Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to an organizational culture that recognizes and values inclusion and diversity. The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.

Skills

Join our team of 28,000 problem solvers who are fostering a culture of innovation by leveraging the diverse perspectives of our global team. We believe in facing challenges head-on by finding opportunity and uncovering possibility, where roadblocks and barriers become targets instead of obstacles. We are One Dana with limitless opportunity.