Machinist

Location: Johannesburg

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Job Summary
The Sr. Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining production machinery, ensuring efficient and safe operations. This role performs advanced machine setup, monitors production quality, and may assist in training junior operators.
This job profile is intended for experienced support-level staff that generally works autonomously and only requires closer supervision in non-routine situations.

Job Title: Machinist (CNC / Conventional)

Purpose of the Job

The incumbent is responsible for the machining of components and parts on various driven machinery in accordance with Sulzer standards, engineering specifications, quality requirements, and customer expectations. The role requires the safe and efficient operation of machining equipment while maintaining high levels of workmanship, productivity, and adherence to safety standards.

Main Responsibilities

Machining Operations

• Perform pre-machining and final machining of components according to engineering specifications and drawings.
• Operate CNC and/or conventional machine tools safely and efficiently.
• Manufacture components within specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Select appropriate tooling, jigs, and fixtures in consultation with the Supervisor.
• Perform turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and marking-off operations as required.

Quality Control

• Ensure compliance with Sulzer and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Conduct full inspection of completed work using appropriate measuring instruments.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using micrometers, verniers, dial indicators, bore gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Identify and report quality deviations or non-conformances.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and production orders accurately.

Operational Compliance

• Follow departmental procedures, work instructions, and engineering standards.
• Adhere to written and verbal instructions provided by management and supervision.
• Complete production-related documentation accurately.
• Support continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.

Equipment Operation

• Operate various machining equipment safely and within operating specifications.
• Ensure machine guards and safety devices are used correctly.
• Maintain good housekeeping and 5S standards within the work area.
• Report machine defects or maintenance concerns promptly.

Environmental, Safety and Health Responsibilities

• Maintain full compliance with company Health, Safety and Environmental policies.
• Promote and contribute to a positive safety culture through the Sulzer Behavioral Safety Program.
• Apply the "Take 5" and "Stop Work for Safety" principles whenever required.
• Attend and actively participate in safety meetings and toolbox talks.
• Conduct one safety observation per week.
• Participate in monthly supervisory safety walks when required.
• Ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with legal and company standards.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses immediately.

Competencies and Behaviors Required

Technical Competencies

• Strong machining knowledge and practical experience.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Skilled in the use of precision measuring instruments.
• Understanding of manufacturing quality standards and tolerances.
• Knowledge of CNC and conventional machining processes.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• High quality and customer-service orientation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills.
• Team-oriented mindset.
• Self-motivated and driven to achieve results.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational requirements.
• Demonstrates initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Responsible and safety-conscious attitude.

Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge Required

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified Trade Tested Turner or Fitter & Turner.

Experience

• Proven experience in machining environments.
• Experience in turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and marking-off operations.
• Experience operating conventional and/or CNC machine tools.

Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of machining practices and manufacturing processes.
• Sound knowledge of CNC and manual machining methods.
• Experience with Siemens and Fanuc control systems will be advantageous.
• Good understanding of engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing, and dimensional inspection.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.

Decision Accountability

The incumbent is accountable for:

• Achieving daily production targets and work completion KPIs.
• Maintaining required quality standards.
• Compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• Following 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Accurate reporting of completed work.
• Supporting operational requirements, including Overtime during peak production periods. Weekend work where required. Shift work where applicable. Movement between various production areas based on operational requirements.

What we offer you

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.