Tool and Die Maintenance Fitter at Automotive Steel Facility in Durban
TalenCo Recruitment Specialists · Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
A skilled Toolmaker or Fitter is needed to maintain progressive and blanking dies at a busy automotive steel processing facility in Durban. You will keep production running smoothly by inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding dies, and get to guide assistants and apprentices. If you have at least 5 years of tool and die experience in automotive stamping and enjoy hands-on problem solving, this permanent, full time role could be your next step.
About the role
This role sits within the Maintenance Department of an automotive steel processing facility in Durban. You will be responsible for keeping progressive blanking dies in reliable working order so that production continues without unnecessary interruptions.
Your day to day work will include carrying out preventative and corrective maintenance on dies, investigating and fixing die related faults during production, and stripping, cleaning, inspecting, and rebuilding dies to protect part quality. You may also be asked to modify dies to improve quality, reduce downtime, or support engineering changes.
You will work closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve tooling concerns, keep accurate maintenance records using the company CMMS, and make sure all work meets safety, quality, and environmental standards. There is also room to contribute to continuous improvement through Kaizen, 5S, and TPM activities, and to share your knowledge by training and supervising apprentices and the Maintenance Assistant.
Application notes: No specific application instructions, reference numbers, or email addresses were provided in the listing. Please apply through the recruitment portal linked in the original advert.
Requirements
- Trade Test Certificate as a Toolmaker or an equivalent recognised qualification
- At least 5 years of experience in tool and die maintenance within an automotive stamping environment
- Sound knowledge of progressive and blanking dies
- Exposure to automotive blanking or stamping standards will be advantageous
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from technical drawings and die designs
- Competent in using precision measuring equipment, including micrometres and callipers
- Practical machining ability across milling, turning, and grinding, as well as welding skills
- Familiarity with die spotting and try out procedures
- Must be willing to work shifts and overtime as required
- Must be comfortable working in an environment with noise, oil, and heavy machinery
- Must be physically fit and capable of lifting heavy components
- Strong analytical and problem solving ability
- Effective communication and a collaborative approach to teamwork
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality
- Able to remain focused and deliver results under pressure and within tight deadlines
Responsibilities
- Carry out preventative and corrective maintenance on progressive blanking dies
- Investigate and resolve die related faults during production and implement appropriate corrective measures
- Strip, clean, inspect, and rebuild dies to maintain reliable performance and part quality
- Undertake die modifications where necessary to improve quality, reduce downtime, or support engineering changes
- Keep accurate maintenance records in line with company documentation and CMMS requirements
- Work closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering personnel to identify and resolve tooling concerns
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with applicable safety, quality, and environmental requirements
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen, 5S, and TPM initiatives
- Provide guidance and supervision to the Maintenance Assistant
- Train and develop apprentices or learners where required
Job details
- Organisation
- TalenCo Recruitment Specialists
- Location
- Durban, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid (5+ years)
- Education
- Certificate
- Category
- Trades & Artisan
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
When applying for this fitter role, put your trade test certificate and a clear list of the dies you have worked on front and centre. Mention specific examples of faults you diagnosed, dies you rebuilt, and any die modifications you made that reduced downtime or improved quality. Because this is an automotive stamping environment, highlight any experience with progressive and blanking dies and your comfort with precision measuring tools like micrometres and callipers.
In an interview, expect practical questions about die spotting, try out procedures, and how you handle pressure when production is waiting on a repair. Be ready to talk about safety around heavy machinery and how you keep your workspace organised. If you have supervised an assistant or trained apprentices, mention that too, since the role includes guiding others.
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