Toolmaker / Tool Designer - KZN

SUMMARY:
Our client in the manufacturing industry is seeking to employ an experienced Toolmaker / Tool Designer to join their team based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Working Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 07:30 – 16:30
• Friday: 07:30 – 14:00
• Overtime may be required when necessary.

POSITION INFO:
Requirements: Grade 12 / Matric certificate. Recognised Toolmaker / Tool, Jig and Die Maker trade test (Red Seal or merSETA certification preferred). N4-N6 qualification or National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering will be advantageous. Minimum of 5 years' practical experience in a production tool room, including tool manufacturing, maintenance and repairs. Proven experience working with plastic injection moulds, press tools and/or progressive dies. Strong understanding of general toolmaking principles and precision engineering. Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments. Experience in 3D CAD design using SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Cimatron or similar software. Practical experience with CNC milling, EDM (wire and sinker), surface grinding, cylindrical grinding and conventional tool room machinery. Knowledge of CAM programming using Mastercam, PowerMill or similar packages will be advantageous. Experience manufacturing, repairing, modifying, fitting and maintaining production tooling. Knowledge of mould-flow analysis or die-simulation software will be advantageous. Experience mentoring apprentices or supervising junior tool-room staff is advantageous. Responsibilities: Design new plastic injection moulds and press/progressive dies using 3D CAD software. Develop tooling designs from product models through to detailed manufacturing drawings. Manufacture new tool components using CNC milling, EDM, grinding and conventional machining processes. Assemble, fit, test and commission tools to ensure components meet specified quality and dimensional requirements. Diagnose tooling faults and resolve technical issues to minimise production downtime. Perform preventive maintenance, repairs and modifications on existing production tools. Implement engineering changes and modify tooling to accommodate new product variants. Support production and engineering teams with tooling-related technical issues. Establish, organise and manage the tool room, including processes, equipment and maintenance systems. Assist in selecting and recommending appropriate machinery, CAD/CAM systems and tooling equipment. Develop internal tooling manufacturing capabilities as the department expands. Prepare tooling quotations and estimate labour, machining time and material costs for internal and external projects. Maintain accurate tooling documentation, including drawings, maintenance records, spare parts inventories and repair histories. Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, tool life, production efficiency and product quality. Ensure that all tooling activities comply with engineering specifications, quality standards and health and safety requirements. Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised tool room. Train, guide and supervise apprentices and junior tool-room employees as the team develops. Work closely with the Engineering Manager, Managing Director and Production team to support operational objectives. Take responsibility for the technical development and long-term growth of the tool room. Please note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.