Senior Setter

Main duties and Responsibilities:

Production Setup and Operation

• Collect component layouts upon receipt of Production loading and verify that all documentation is current.
• Set up and troubleshoot specialized gear cutting machinery and other second operations equipment.
• Set machines according to layout and component specification, ensuring first off approval before batch production.
• Keep set up scrap to a minimum and ensure it is clearly segregated from production components.

Tooling, Equipment and Maintenance

• Manufacture, assemble, and maintain single function tooling including press, basic milling fixtures pneumatic tooling, and purpose-built tooling.
• Maintain and adjust older mechanical equipment—requiring a deep understanding of mechanical movements and behaviours under load.
• Perform root cause checks and corrective adjustments on machines and tooling to stabilize process capability.
• Conduct basic maintenance and elevate more serious maintenance issues to the Team Leader or relevant department timeously.
• Ensure all tools and Gear Hob sets are labelled and stored correctly; proactively request/order relevant tools or parts.

Quality, Gauging and Documentation

• Collect all relevant gauges from the gauge room as per IMDS requirements and ensure calibration status is valid.
• Read, understand, and apply information from technical manuals and machine documentation.
• Submit first off samples to inspection and act on feedback promptly.
• Identify out of spec trends and implement remedial actions (adjustments, tool maintenance, parameter optimization).
• Uphold high accuracy and consistent attention to detail throughout production runs.

Safety, Housekeeping and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure operational areas are safe and hazard free; always uphold safe working practices.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards (5S) and participate in safety audits.
• Support continuous improvement in tooling, setups, cycle times, changeovers, and workflow; contribute to standardization of best practices.
• Transfer knowledge and support less experienced operators through structured training and coaching.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with Team Leaders and operators regarding status, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide clear updates on setups, first off results, deviations, and corrective actions.

Education:

• Grade 12
• Red Seal Toolmaker

Experience:

• 20+ years in toolmaking or precision machining (strong hands-on background required).
• Previous experience in a high-volume precision mechanical engineering environment.
• Proven ability to set up and problem solve within a production environment.
• Demonstrated capability working with older mechanical gear cutting machines and understanding machine behaviour under load.
• Competence in milling machines, presses, pneumatic tooling, and hydraulic tools.
• Ability to learn new systems, interpret manuals, and adopt new methods.
• Programming knowledge (where applicable) and strong setting knowledge.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver reliable, repeatable output.

• Cost to company 
• Medical Aid
• Provident fund 

recruitmenthr@rheinmetall-laingsdale.com