Rapid Prototyping Technician
Listing reference: cbil_000081
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 18 November 2026
Position summary
Industry: Manufacturing
Job category: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing
Location: Germiston
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
CBI- Low Voltage
Introduction
The Rapid Prototyping Technician is responsible for producing accurate, functional, and timely prototypes, samples, jigs, and development components in support of product design, validation, and continuous improvement. The incumbent converts approved design data into physical prototypes using additive manufacturing and conventional machining processes (milling, turning, drilling and cutting), ensuring dimensional accuracy, traceability, safe equipment operation, and effective collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams.
Job description
Prototype Planning and CAD Preparation:
•Review engineering requests, technical drawings, specifications, and revision levels.
•Prepare, verify, and optimise CAD/STL files for prototype production.
•Select appropriate materials and fabrication methods based on design requirements.
•Estimate lead times and clarify technical requirements with stakeholders prior to fabrication.
Prototype Fabrication and Assembly:
•Set up and operate 3D printers and conventional workshop machinery, including milling machines, lathes, drill presses, band saws and grinders.
•Manufacture prototypes, models, housings, brackets, jigs, fixtures, and development components.
•Perform finishing, fitting, assembly, and rework activities to achieve the required design intent and quality standards.
•Ensure all fabrication activities are conducted safely and efficiently.
Inspection, Testing, and Design Support:
•Inspect prototypes for dimensional accuracy and visual quality against engineering drawings and specifications.
•Record and report non-conformances and assist with corrective actions.
•Support fit, form, and functional testing in collaboration with engineering teams.
•Capture design feedback and assist with controlled prototype revisions and iterations.
Equipment Maintenance, Safety, and Documentation:
•Conduct routine cleaning, calibration checks, and first-line maintenance of prototyping equipment.
•Maintain materials, consumables, machine logs, and prototype traceability records.
•Adhere to all PPE, machine guarding, electrical safety, and waste management procedures.
•Ensure accurate documentation and record keeping in line with company requirements.
Continuous Improvement and Service Delivery:
•Coordinate prototype activities and priorities with engineering and manufacturing teams.
•Communicate progress, risks, and constraints to relevant stakeholders.
•Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, shorten turnaround times, and lower prototype costs.
•Support a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
•Review engineering requests, technical drawings, specifications, and revision levels.
•Prepare, verify, and optimise CAD/STL files for prototype production.
•Select appropriate materials and fabrication methods based on design requirements.
•Estimate lead times and clarify technical requirements with stakeholders prior to fabrication.
Prototype Fabrication and Assembly:
•Set up and operate 3D printers and conventional workshop machinery, including milling machines, lathes, drill presses, band saws and grinders.
•Manufacture prototypes, models, housings, brackets, jigs, fixtures, and development components.
•Perform finishing, fitting, assembly, and rework activities to achieve the required design intent and quality standards.
•Ensure all fabrication activities are conducted safely and efficiently.
Inspection, Testing, and Design Support:
•Inspect prototypes for dimensional accuracy and visual quality against engineering drawings and specifications.
•Record and report non-conformances and assist with corrective actions.
•Support fit, form, and functional testing in collaboration with engineering teams.
•Capture design feedback and assist with controlled prototype revisions and iterations.
Equipment Maintenance, Safety, and Documentation:
•Conduct routine cleaning, calibration checks, and first-line maintenance of prototyping equipment.
•Maintain materials, consumables, machine logs, and prototype traceability records.
•Adhere to all PPE, machine guarding, electrical safety, and waste management procedures.
•Ensure accurate documentation and record keeping in line with company requirements.
Continuous Improvement and Service Delivery:
•Coordinate prototype activities and priorities with engineering and manufacturing teams.
•Communicate progress, risks, and constraints to relevant stakeholders.
•Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, shorten turnaround times, and lower prototype costs.
•Support a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
Minimum requirements
Minimum Requirements:
•Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematics and relevant technical subjects.
•Trade qualification (e.g. Toolmaker, Fitter and Turner), Higher Certificate (NQF 5), or N6 certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related discipline.
•National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field is advantageous.
•Experience or training in CAD/CAM and additive manufacturing will be an added advantage.
•Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar design software is required.
•Equivalent practical experience may be considered.
•Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematics and relevant technical subjects.
•Trade qualification (e.g. Toolmaker, Fitter and Turner), Higher Certificate (NQF 5), or N6 certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related discipline.
•National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field is advantageous.
•Experience or training in CAD/CAM and additive manufacturing will be an added advantage.
•Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar design software is required.
•Equivalent practical experience may be considered.
Experience:
•Minimum 5 years' practical experience in prototyping, workshop fabrication, model making, or additive manufacturing.
•Minimum 3 year of experience reading technical drawings and preparing CAD/STL files for production.
•CNC machining experience will be advantageous.
•Exposure to electrical product development, test laboratories, or manufacturing environments will be advantageous.