Machine Operator

A reputable manufacturing company situated in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga wishes to appoint a reliable Machine Operator.

You will gain exposure to a broad range of tasks that build valuable experience. The company fosters a positive culture where effort and initiative are recognised. The team prides itself on professionalism and consistently meeting commitments. Think you are a good fit? Send your CV through and introduce yourself.

Responsibilities

Quality Control & Inspection

• Document, classify, and report all non-conformances identified during production, actively participating in root cause investigations using techniques such as fishbone analysis and five-why methodology to prevent recurrence of the same defects.
• Perform in-process inspections at defined checkpoints during production to verify dimensional accuracy, weld integrity, surface finish, and compliance with quality control plans, releasing only conforming parts for the next operation in the production sequence.
• Carry out final inspection and testing of finished products against engineering drawings, customer specifications, and relevant SANS or ISO standards, preparing inspection reports and certificates of conformance for each completed production batch.

Safety & Workshop Management

• Enforce strict adherence to occupational health and safety regulations and company safety policies within the workshop, including correct PPE usage, compliance with lockout and tagout procedures, and safe operation of overhead cranes and forklifts by licensed operators.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient workshop environment following 5S principles by sorting, setting in order, shining, standardising, and sustaining work area organisation, tool storage, and material storage across all workstations and storage zones.
• Conduct daily pre-start inspections of all workshop plant and equipment including machine tools, welding sets, lifting tackle, and portable power tools, reporting any defects to maintenance immediately and tagging out unsafe equipment until repaired.

Fabrication & Production

• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, welding symbols, and work instructions to determine fabrication sequences, material requirements, and dimensional tolerances before commencing production on each job to minimise rework and material wastage.
• Fabricate, assemble, and weld structural steel components, pressure vessels, and piping systems according to detailed engineering drawings, using MIG, TIG, and arc welding processes to produce structurally sound and visually acceptable welds that pass non-destructive testing.
• Monitor production machinery during operation to detect abnormal sounds, vibrations, or output quality variations, stopping equipment for investigation and making necessary adjustments to prevent defective output and unplanned downtime.
• Set up, programme, and operate CNC lathes, milling machines, and conventional machine tools to manufacture precision components to exact tolerances, selecting appropriate cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling for each material type and machining operation.

Requirements

• For quality inspection roles, proficiency in using precision measuring instruments and knowledge of inspection techniques and sampling plans.
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety regulations and a demonstrated commitment to safe working practices.
• Physical fitness to stand for extended periods, handle heavy materials, and work in an industrial environment with noise and heat.
• Experience in operating material handling equipment including overhead cranes and forklifts with relevant licences.
• For welding roles, proven competency in multiple welding processes and ability to pass welder qualification tests.

Qualifications

Trade Certificate in Boilermaking or Welding (Red Seal)