About the role

The purpose of this role is to perform precision manufacturing tasks that contribute to the delivery of high-quality optical components to internal production and external customers. The incumbent will operate within a structured manufacturing environment, working with CNC machines and related processes to ensure components are produced to specification, quality standards, and delivery requirements.

Qualification and experience

• Matric or N3 qualification

• 1–2 years’ experience in a hand-skill manufacturing or production environment

• Mathematics: Math Literacy (70%+) or Mathematics (55%+)
  
  

Key technical skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical/manufacturing drawings

• Good hand–eye coordination

• Basic computer literacy

• Some optical theory knowledge (advantageous)

• For CNC / Coating Department (advantageous):

  • Some CNC or electronic background knowledge

  • CNC machine exposure and basic process understanding
    
    

Key responsibilities:

1. Process Preparation and Cleaning

• Prepare tools, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing processes.

• Ensure correct gluing or clamping methods are used for each production step.

• Clean optical components using the relevant methods after processing.

• Ensure correct upkeep and maintenance of tools, jigs, and fixtures.

2. CNC Milling and Generating

• Use relevant tools and jigs to prepare components for polishing or subsequent processes.

• Ensure thickness, sphere, wedge, component form, and surface finish meet specified standards.

• Perform machine setup, tooling preparation, and maintain machine cleanliness as part of daily duties.

3. Polishing

• Operate relevant machines to polish optical components to required specifications.

• Ensure correct machine setup, tooling preparation, slurry density, and chemical composition.

• Maintain machine cleanliness and monitor process conditions as part of daily work.

4. Inspection

• Perform inspection steps using appropriate inspection equipment in line with routing and drawing specifications.

• Ensure inspection equipment is in good working condition and available at all times.

• Verify that only compliant products proceed to the next production stage.

5. General

• Meet daily production targets as set by the Supervisor.

• Maintain high 5S standards at the workstation.

• Ensure quality and yield standards are met according to drawing specifications.

• Perform basic machine maintenance and cleaning.

Our recruitment values:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 20 February 2026. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers page.

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application