Senior Setter

 

Position: Senior Setter
Industry: Manufacturing / Precision Engineering
Reporting to: Production / Engineering Manager
Location: South Africa
Employment Type: Permanent (Shift-based)

Job Purpose

The Senior Setter is responsible for expert machine setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting to ensure consistent high-quality production in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role requires deep technical expertise in precision machining and toolmaking, strong problem-solving ability, and a commitment to safety, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced machine setup, calibration, and changeovers to production standards.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and process faults quickly to minimise downtime.
• Ensure first-off parts meet quality and dimensional specifications.
• Operate and support gear-cutting machinery, milling machines, presses, hydraulic and pneumatic tooling.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, layouts, manuals, and IMDS gauge requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety standards and housekeeping (5S).
• Monitor tool life, scrap rates, and production efficiency.
• Mentor and support junior and trainee setters.
• Complete accurate setup and production documentation.
• Work independently while collaborating with production and quality teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Setup time and changeover duration
• First-off acceptance rate
• Scrap and rework levels
• Machine downtime
• Tool life optimisation
• 5S and housekeeping compliance
• Training and mentoring completion
• Documentation accuracy

Minimum Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

• Experience: Minimum 20+ years in machining / production setting.
• Qualification: Recognised Toolmaking qualification.
• Technical Expertise:
• Precision machining and toolmaking
• Gear-cutting machinery
• High-volume production setups
• Mechanical diagnostics under load
• Reading technical drawings and specifications
• Languages: English and Afrikaans
• Work Style: Highly accurate, detail-driven, independent, exceptionally neat and safety-conscious.

Preferred Attributes

• Calm and steady under pressure
• Highly patient and methodical
• Strong pride in workmanship
• Detail-obsessed and thorough
• Strong mentoring ability
• Reliable, disciplined, adaptable, and solution-focused communicator

Compliance & Standards

• Occupational Health & Safety Act (South Africa)
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems

Team & Working Environment

• Works within a production team of approximately 17–50 employees
• Supportive, hands-on, and precision-focused environment
• Direct, respectful, solution-focused communication style
• High level of technical autonomy with escalation of major issues to management
• Strong emphasis on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Working Conditions

• Shift work required (unsocial hours may apply)
• On-site, machine-based environment

• Physical requirements:

• Good eyesight
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Lift 20–25 kg
• Normal hearing
• Full mobility for machine access

Training & Development

• On-site technical training
• Machine-based skills development
• Career growth opportunities within the department