Fitter- (Brits)

Job Purpose

You will provide mechanical maintenance and technical support to the tyre-manufacturing operation by ensuring that tyre-building machines, drums, tooling, guides, and associated equipment are maintained, adjusted, and available for safe and efficient production. The role supports Tyre Builders, the Workshop / Tool Manager, and the Technical team during machine setups, tyre-size changes, breakdowns, and equipment adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective mechanical maintenance on tyre-building machines and associated equipment. Diagnose and repair mechanical faults to minimise machine downtime. Support Tyre Builders during tyre-size changes and machine setups.

• Assist with the installation, adjustment, and alignment of machine components, guides, drums, and tooling. Support the Workshop / Tool Manager with drum maintenance, tooling preparation, and tooling-related technical issues.

• Assist with the installation and adjustment of tooling required for new tyre sizes. Inspect drums, tooling, guides, and machine components for wear, damage, and correct operation.

• Read and interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, manuals, and machine-setup requirements.

• Assist the Technical team with problems identified during machine setup and trial production. Ensure that machines are mechanically ready before production is handed over to the Production team.

• Perform machine adjustments and alignment to maintain product quality and production efficiency.

• Investigate recurring mechanical problems and recommend corrective actions. Carry out planned maintenance according to approved maintenance schedules and procedures.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and report defects and outstanding work. Maintain good housekeeping standards in the maintenance, workshop, and production areas.

• Comply with all company safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and applicable statutory requirements. Work closely with Production, Quality, Technical, and Engineering teams to resolve production-related problems.

• Participate in continuous improvement activities aimed at reducing downtime and improving machine reliability.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education and Certifications

• Qualified Fitter with a recognised South African trade certificate.

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.

Experience

• A minimum of three years’ relevant post-trade experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience in a tyre-manufacturing environment will be highly advantageous.

• Proven experience in mechanical maintenance, machine troubleshooting, and equipment setup.

• Experience working with drums, tooling, guides, and production machinery will be advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and technical specifications.

• Good understanding of mechanical fitting, alignment, bearings, shafts, pneumatic systems, and machine components.

• Ability to use mechanical workshop tools and measuring equipment.

• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices.

Language Skills

• Not specified in the source job description.

Soft and Behavioral Skills

Strong mechanical and technical aptitude. Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills. High attention to detail. Good understanding of machine alignment and setup. Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to breakdowns. Strong teamwork and communication skills. Ability to work effectively across Production, Technical, Quality, and Engineering teams. Good planning and organisational skills. Strong safety and quality awareness. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Commitment to preventive maintenance and continuous improvement. Ability and willingness to work shifts and overtime, and to respond to breakdowns when required. Ability to work safely under pressure in a high-production environment.