Technician Production Mech Lab - Middelburg

Columbus Stainless, founded in 1966, is South Africa's and Africa's only producer of stainless steel flat products. You'll find our product in everything from a kitchen sink to a quality wristwatch. Because of the boundless potential for stainless steel as a metal for the future, we at Columbus remain dedicated to becoming one of the leading suppliers of stainless steel in our domestic market and the global arena.

Acerinox, S.A. (Spain), a major international stainless producing Group holds a 76% shareholding in Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd. The balance of the shares, (24%), are held by the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation). Columbus Stainless is situated in Middelburg in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Our plant is a technologically advanced, fully integrated, single-site operation. This gives us flexibility to adjust quickly to changes in the market.

We have created a modern, efficient stainless steel production facility that meets the changing demands of users in the domestic market and around the world. With a wide range of products in Austenitic, Ferritic, Utility and Duplex grades produced in our plant in Middelburg we are able to offer a variety of grades of stainless steel suitable for most applications. Backed by sound technical support, we are also able to make recommendations on correct material selection as part of our customer support process.

Our exported products are channelled through a well-developed network of agents and group sales outlets operating in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and the Far East. In addition, we trade directly to a number of end user and some re-roller customers.Description

The incumbent will be responsible for the overall quality of the testing performed in the area-Mechanical Laboratory, as well as for continuously identifying areas of improvement related to testing and process optimization. The main purpose of this role is to ensure that the quality of testing performed in the Mechanical Laboratory is in line with the required standard of the Laboratory and the business as a whole business. The incumbent, will further be responsible for conducting non-routine test work, continuously optimizing processes, developing new tests methods, improving exiting test methods, solving technical problem and ensuring that all relevant systems are updated and changes implemented accordingly.

Requirements

Key Performance Indicators include the following:

Ensuring that the quality of testing performed in the Mechanical Laboratory is in line with the required standards of the business and the laboratory.

Conducting non-routine test work, continuous optimization of processes, development of new test methods, improving existing test methods, solving technical problems and ensuring that all relevant systems are updated and changes implemented accordingly.

Perform validations, identify criteria for revalidation as well as compile validation documentation.

Commission equipment and instruments in line with the required Laboratory practices and procedures.

Maintain and improve current quality control systems to ensure validity and accuracy of testing.

Perform the required internal calibrations and/ or verifications on relevant equipment.

Evaluate quality critical suppliers

Qualification:

Minimum qualification required is a BEng (Metallurgy and Material Science / BSc. (Hons) Material Science.

Experience:

2-4 years' relevant laboratory experience at technician level in testing and quality management.

Competencies/Skills:

Possess knowledge of mechanical and metallurgical testing and processes, statistics and quality control systems, testing equipment principles, root cause analysis, method development and method validation, as well as data analysis and interpretation

Must be computer literate

Experience as a Technical signatory in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory will be an added advantage

Technical skills required; Mechanical and metallurgical testing and equipment, statistics, quality principles, in depth problem solving and root cause analysis

Basic people management skills required include conflict resolution, coaching and mentoring and written and oral communication

Personal competencies required; time management, initiative, attention to detail, integrity, self-discipline, proactive, sound judgement, ability to work independently and within a team.