Test Officer

**Job Advert Summary**:
**Purpose Statement**

To conduct testing, generate test report and participate in other laboratory activities in support of the attainment of the divisional and business objectives and ensure the maintenance of the laboratory QMS and relevant SANAS and ISO Accreditation requirements.

**About SABS**

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is mandated to develop, promote and maintain South African National Standards (SANS), promote quality in connection with commodities, products and services, and render conformity assessment services and assist in matters connected therewith. Working for the SABS opens the mind to the world around you. We offer diverse career paths in dynamic environment that nurtures and recognises talent and potential. Become part of our vision of being a trusted standardisation and business assurance solution provider and join a team that fosters accountability, excellence and innovation in an inclusive workplace.

SABS is an equal opportunities employer, and our recruitment will be done in line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and our EE Policy.

**Minimum Requirements**:
National Diploma / Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)

Technical signatory status is essential

3 years’ relevant work experience in a relevant scientific discipline.

Work exposure in specific SANS (as required by the specific laboratory) is essential.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
**Functional Management**
- Oversee and conduct manual or automated tests and generate results as required.
- Receive and record all samples from clients before testing.
- Plan and prepare to conduct tests.
- Analyse recorded or generated test results.
- Compile and verify the technical correctness and completeness of the test reports.
- Conduct quality verification on all test reports generated in the laboratory.
- Interpret test standards and methods and generate reports.
- Develop and coordinate testing schedules with the team.
- Research, develop and validate new testing methods.
- Conduct witness testing for internal and external clients to demonstrate and verify testing processes.
- Conduct proficiency testing for industry benchmark purposes as and when required.
- Conduct root cause analysis within laboratory and ensure the effective implementation of corrective and preventative measures.
- Calibrate and verify test equipment.
- Ensure all Laboratory assets are accounted for in area of control and participate in asset verification.
- Ensure that commissioning reports of equipment are compiled and asset registration and capitalization is done timeously as per SABS policies.
- Process samples and participate in proficiency schemes (including intra and inter Laboratory comparisons).
- Participate in in-house test validations as required to confirm the results.
- Conduct all activities assigned to maintain the Quality Management System and Accreditation and participate in the maintenance of the quality management system in accordance with the Quality Manual and the laboratory’s accreditation to the relevant technical standards.
- Prepare for internal audits and maintain alignment to audit processes.
- Provide advocacy and assist with technical specifications and requirements to generate quotations.
- Analyse customer requirements and check alignment with technical(testing) specifications
- Conduct training on equipment used for testing to stakeholders as and when its required.
- Document and alert Standard Writers on identified errors in the specifications or Standard documents.
- Conduct training and coaching sessions for other Test Officers and mentor them (Test Officers) who are in the process of acquiring Technical Signatory status.
- Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to all safety principles and procedures.
- Keep abreast of all the changes in Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Keep abreast with developments in the technical committees, working groups and industry trends.
- Complete the Competence Development Ladder (CDP) for the next level.

**Risk and Compliance Management**
- Assist in identifying and adhering to fraud controls, risk prevention principles, sound governance and compliance processes, and tools to identify and manage risks.
- Assist in the preparation and support and provide evidence to all internal and external audit requirements.
- Maintain quality risk management standards in line with legislative and accreditation requirements.
- Adhere to all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation.

**Stakeholder Management**
- Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration, and to manage the organization’s reputation.
- Represent and participate in the organization’s committees and tasks teams when required.
- Convene and attend meetings (e.g., technical committees, working groups etc.) and pr