CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator

Location: Strand / Helderberg, Western Cape
Industry: Precision Engineering / Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Working Environment: Workshop / On-site
Recommended Salary: R26 000 to R28 000 Depending on experience

About the Opportunity

Our client, a small and established precision engineering company based in the Strand / Helderberg area, is seeking an experienced CNC Turning Programmer / Setter / Operator.

The successful candidate must be a hands-on CNC machinist who can confidently program, set and operate CNC lathes independently.

This role requires someone who understands the complete machining process – from interpreting an engineering drawing and planning the job through to programming, tooling, setup, machining and final dimensional inspection.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in CNC turning / CNC lathe machining.


• Strong programming, setting and operating capability.


• Must be able to program and set CNC lathes independently.


• Fanuc control experience preferred.


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Strong knowledge of:

• CNC turning


• Tooling and inserts


• Work and tool offsets


• Feeds and speeds


• Job setup


• Tolerances and fits


• Experience manufacturing precision components.


• Experience working to close tolerances.

Strong competency with precision measuring equipment, including:

• Verniers


• Micrometers


• Bore micrometers/gauges


• Thread gauges


• Dial indicators


• Precision engineering experience strongly preferred.


• Relevant trade qualification would be advantageous

Key Responsibilities

• Program CNC lathes independently.


• Set and operate CNC turning machines.


• Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.


• Manufacture precision components according to drawings.


• Select appropriate tooling and inserts.


• Determine correct feeds and speeds.


• Set tool and work offsets.


• Set up workholding and components correctly.


• Carry out first-off inspections.


• Adjust programs and offsets where required.


• Monitor machining operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.


• Manufacture components to close tolerances.


• Use precision measuring equipment to verify dimensions.


• Troubleshoot programming, tooling and machining problems.


• Maintain high quality and productivity standards.


• Maintain machines, tooling and work areas.


• Follow all health and safety procedures.

Ideal Candidate

• We are looking for someone who:


• Is technically strong and hands-on.


• Can take ownership of a CNC turning job from drawing to finished component.


• Requires minimal supervision.


• Has excellent attention to detail.


• Understands precision and quality.


• Is reliable and takes pride in their workmanship.


• Can troubleshoot machining problems.


• Works well within a small engineering team.