VACANCY: FITTER

REPORTING TO: MECHANICAL CHARGEHAND

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Fitter and Turner to join our team. The individual will be responsible for machining, fitting, assembling, and maintaining industrial mechanical equipment and production machinery to optimise efficiency and minimal downtime.

Job Summary

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Category: Engineering
Closing Date: 2026-09-26

Key Responsibilities

Precision machining, turning, milling, and fabrication of mechanical parts using manual lathes, milling machines, and workshop equipment.
Diagnose, overhaul, repair, and maintain mechanical plant equipment, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
Read and interpret technical blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to assemble complex machinery components.
Perform routine servicing and scheduled maintenance checks to prevent operational failures.
Rapidly identify root causes of mechanical breakdowns and execute timely corrective actions.
Strict adherence to workshop safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality guidelines.

Requirements

Qualifications: Class 1 Journeyman/Equivalent
Experience: 3 years of hands-on post apprenticeship experience as a Fitter and Turner in a manufacturing industrial environment.
Technical Skills: Proficient in operating manual lathes, milling, drilling, and grinding machinery.
Strong expertise in hydraulics, pneumatics, drive systems, and power transmission.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints and schematic diagrams.
Attributes: Strong problem-solving ability, high attention to detail, physical stamina, and ability to work well under pressure.

How to Apply

Apply by email: hr@url.co.zw

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Fitter at a company like United Refineries Limited?

Most employers require a National Certificate in Fitting and Turning or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized institution such as Harare Polytechnic or Bulawayo Polytechnic. A completed apprenticeship under the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) or a similar body is highly valued. Trade testing certification from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education is often mandatory.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Fitter in Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector?

You will install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment such as pumps, conveyors, and processing machinery common in refineries and factories. Daily tasks include reading technical drawings, fabricating metal parts, conducting preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting breakdowns. Safety compliance and proper record-keeping are essential given Zimbabwe's emphasis on workplace safety regulations.

How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for Fitters in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?

Zimbabwean employers typically value reliability and punctuality due to transport challenges in cities like Harare and Bulawayo. Hierarchical respect for supervisors is expected, and teamwork is crucial when resources are limited. You may also need to be adaptable, as multi-skilling across electrical or welding tasks is often required in understaffed operations.

What career progression opportunities exist for Fitters working in Zimbabwe's engineering sector?

With experience, you can advance to Senior Fitter, Maintenance Supervisor, or Plant Engineer roles. Further studies through the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers or a Higher National Diploma can open doors to management positions. Some experienced Fitters also transition into entrepreneurship, establishing their own maintenance contracting businesses.

What benefits should I expect as a full-time Fitter in Zimbabwe, and are they standardized?

Benefits vary by employer but typically include annual leave as prescribed by the Labour Act, and some larger companies offer medical aid and pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes. Not all employers provide comprehensive packages, so it is wise to clarify these details during interviews. Unionized workplaces often negotiate better collective benefits.

How should I apply for a Fitter position, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in applications?

Submit a detailed CV highlighting your apprenticeship, trade certificates, and hands-on experience with specific machinery. Include references from previous supervisors or mentors who can vouch for your workmanship. Employers prioritize practical problem-solving skills, safety awareness, and proven reliability over academic qualifications alone.