Principal Technician

Listing reference: ukzn_000901 Listing status: Online Apply by: 14 August 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: University and Academy Location: Durban Contract: Fixed Term Contract Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Yes

Introduction

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE, PRINCIPAL TECHNICIAN (1 POST), PEROMNES GRADE 8, (INDEFINITE FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT), AEROSPACE SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS.

Job description

The Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) within the School of Engineering, requires an experienced 5-Axis CNC Machinist to join our precision machine shop, working on complex components for aerospace and high-precision industrial applications

The incumbent must have strong understanding of GD&T and ability to work to tight tolerances, a self-starter who can manage production processes independently and strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability

The incumbent will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating 5-axis CNC milling machines (DN Solutions/Doosan or similar. S/he will also be responsible for interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T callouts to produce parts to specification and maintaining tight dimensional tolerances (±0.01 mm or better).

Further, s/he will be responsible for troubleshooting machining, tooling, and setup issues to optimise quality and cycle time and managing their own setups and workflow with minimal supervision.

In addition, the incumbent will perform in-process and final inspection using appropriate measuring equipment and maintain and care for machines, tooling, and workholding.

The incumbent be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating 5-axis CNC milling machines to manufacture precision components to tight tolerances. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who takes pride in accuracy, problem-solving, and seeing a job through from drawing to finished part.

Experience with precision/mould tooling, jigs, fixtures, or similarly exacting work will be an advantage.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Engineer of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute.

Minimum requirements

• Matric/N3 plus 3-year Mechanical Engineering qualification or Toolmaker Trade qualification
• Five (5)years experience which must include:
  • CNC machining experience, including demonstrated 5-axis programming and setup
  • Experience across multiple machine platforms (mills, lathes, multi-axis
  • Experience with Fanuc controllers
• Proficiency in CAM software such as Fusion 360, Siemens NX

The closing date for receipt of applications is 14 August 2026.

Apply at the following link: https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.

• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

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