Jobs in Jinja, Kampala, or Nakasongola

PLANT OPERATOR I (BODY SHOP)

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) · Jinja, Kampala, or Nakasongola

Salary scale KT7 · 17 positions

Full-time · Mid level · Engineering · Posted today

Reports to: Plant Operator II (Body Shop)

About the role

The Plant Operator I (Body Shop) is responsible for executing multi-disciplinary production operations across the Body Shop, encompassing the Machine Shop, Parts Making, and Frame and Body Welding Units. The role is responsible for material preparation utilizing Computerized Numeric Control (CNC) Machinery, Laser Cutters, Drills, and Hydraulic Presses; Metal Fabrication and applying Advanced Joining Techniques such as MIG, MAG, TIG, Precision Riveting, and Industrial Bonding. The role also encompasses the installation of fibre panels, side panel tensioning, exterior accessory integration (doors and bumpers), and final underbody sealing and anti-corrosion protection. The operator ensures efficient production by adhering to approved engineering specifications, production schedules, and Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards.

Responsibilities

• The Plant Operator I (Body Shop) undertakes hands-on machining, parts fabrication, welding, sealing, and integration operations in the production of vehicle frames and body structures and related products. Specifically, the Plant Operator I is responsible for:
• Material Preparation and Machine Shop Operations: Operate CNC machinery, band saws, circular saws, punching machines, bending machines, drilling machines, metal sheet laser cutters, milling machines, and hydraulic presses. Execute precision shearing, cutting, drilling, and bending to transform raw steel stock and piping into foundational structural parts while maximizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Parts Manufacturing: Makes metal components, such as engineered mounting brackets and customized steel profiles. Employs precision jigs to fabricate components into major structural modules: Chassis, Side Frames, U-Hoops Frame, Front and Rear Fascia, and core Frame Sub-Systems.
• Frame Parts Merging and Alignment: Utilize specialized structural machinery to merge and align parts and sub-systems into the main vehicle structures. Guarantee exact geometric alignment of all semi-finished metal products prior to permanent joining.
• Full Body Welding and Joining Operations: Execute comprehensive full-structural welding (MIG, MAG, and TIG) and advanced joining techniques, including precision riveting and industrial bonding. Ensure modules achieve maximum structural integrity and pass rigorous quality inspection gates.
• Roof and Side Panel Installation: Utilize specialized panel stretcher machines to accurately tension, install, and secure vehicle side exterior panels and fibre panels.
• Bracket, Accessories, and Door Integration: Precisely locate and weld chassis frame profiles and attachment brackets. Install, calibrate, and align all primary exterior body components, including front and rear bumpers, main passenger doors, and utility compartment doors.
• Interior Sealing Plates Fitting: Install and weld inner vehicle sealing plates across critical zones, including luggage bays, powertrain compartments, and radiator housings, to guarantee optimal thermal/acoustic insulation and protection against environmental ingress.
• Weld Sequence and Distortion Control: Apply controlled weld-sequence plans that manage heat input and distortion across large vehicle body structures to preserve dimensional accuracy.
• Jig, Fixture, and Machine Set-Up: Set up, align, and position machining tools, press equipment, welding jigs, fixtures, and clamping devices (e.g., F and G clamps) to hold vehicle frame and body components.
• Product Trimming, Underbody Welding, and Sealing: Perform final trimming and precision grinding of exterior and interior bodyworks to remove welding spatter or surface imperfections. Execute comprehensive final underbody welding, apply heavy-duty sealing, and administer preliminary underbody rust and anti-corrosion protection.
• QHSE Compliance and Inspection: Inspect components and welded joints using visual, dimensional, and applicable inspection methods. Comply strictly with QHSE requirements, including correct use of mandatory PPE and machine safety protocols.
• Any Other Duties: Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
• Social Responsibilities
• The social responsibilities of the role pertain to its impact on workplace interactions, relationships and the overall organizational environment.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with supervisors, technicians, engineers and fellow production personnel to achieve production targets and departmental objectives.
• Workplace Communication: Communicate production progress, quality concerns, equipment abnormalities and safety hazards promptly to the appropriate personnel to facilitate timely corrective action.
• Workplace Discipline: Promote professionalism, accountability, teamwork and compliance with organizational policies, procedures and production standards.
• Emotional Responsibilities
• Emotional responsibilities involve the individual's capacity to manage emotions, their own and those of others, to sustain a safe, effective and supportive work environment.
• Accountability: Demonstrate ownership of assigned tasks while maintaining high standards of workmanship, integrity and responsibility.
• Adaptability: Respond positively to changing production priorities, new manufacturing technologies and evolving operational requirements.
• Resilience: Maintain composure and productivity while working under demanding production schedules without compromising quality or safety.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate willingness to acquire new technical skills and continuously improve competence in relevant manufacturing technologies and processes.

Requirements

• Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework (UVQF) Level II, National Certificate, or Craft/Artisan Certificate in: Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Craft Practice Machining and Fitting / Machinist Trade Welding and Metal Fabrication
• Automotive Body Repair and Fabrication / Sheet Metal Work OR Artisan with Practically Acquired Skills (PAS) in Metalworking, Industrial Fabrication, or Machining.
• Applicants with at least two (2) Years experience in structural/heavy duty vehicle frame welding, fabrication, or automotive manufacturing operations will have an added advantage.
• Advanced Welding & Joining Operations: Ability to operate MIG, MAG, and TIG welding equipment, as well as industrial riveting and bonding tools, to join structural vehicle frame and body sections.
• Machine Shop and CNC Tool Operation: Ability to safely operate CNC machinery, metal cutting lasers, shearing machines, punching machines, panel stretchers, and basic machining equipment.
• Sealing and Trimming Proficiency: Competence in applying heavy-duty underbody sealants, anti-corrosion protection, and utilizing grinding/trimming tools for surface perfection.
• Engineering Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read, interpret, and apply Body-in-White engineering drawings, fabrication blueprints, and welding symbols.
• Weld Sequence and Distortion Control: Understanding of weld-sequence practices required to preserve dimensional accuracy on large vehicle body structures.
• Precision Measurement and Quality Control: Proficiency in using measuring instruments (calipers, tape measures, gauges, combination squares) and applying visual and dimensional inspection.
• Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance: Knowledge of QHSE requirements applicable to machining, metal fabrication, and structural welding operations.
• Teamwork and Communication: Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary production teams while effectively communicating production, quality and safety issues.
• Time Management and Productivity: Ability to organize work effectively, prioritize tasks, and consistently achieve production targets.

How to apply

• Online: careers.kiiramotors.com