Mechanical Maintenance Assistant

Southern Lakes Laundries; Timaru; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Lakes Laundries in Timaru, South Island, is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Maintenance Assistant to support production by maintaining and repairing industrial laundry machinery. You will work with mechanical engineers and operations to minimize downtime.

The role requires practical mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot, with welding or fabrication experience viewed as a bonus. This is a full-time on-site position in a production environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical maintenance or industrial environments preferred.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude with machinery and tools.
• Ability to fault find and troubleshoot basic mechanical systems.
• Welding/fabrication is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial laundry equipment.
• Support preventive maintenance programs across plant equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical faults and report defects or wear.
• Assist with components replacement (bearings, belts, motors, rollers, pumps, conveyors).
• Maintain machines free of lint and ensure safe use of tools.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Fault finding

Teamwork

Independent working

Education

Trade qualification in mechanical/maintenance

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Welding/fabrication (beneficial)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Southern Lakes Laundries – Timaru, South Island

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Maintenance Assistant to support the maintenance and operation of industrial laundry machinery and equipment. The role involves assisting with mechanical maintenance, fault finding, repairs, installations, lint removal, and preventative maintenance activities to ensure the efficient operation of the plant and equipment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Mechanical Engineers team and operations team to support daily production requirements and minimise equipment downtime.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the installation, assembly, maintenance, and repair of industrial laundry machinery and mechanical equipment
• Support preventative maintenance programmes across plant and equipment
• Assist in diagnosing mechanical faults and troubleshooting equipment issues
• Identify and report machinery defects, wear, and operational concerns
• Support breakdown maintenance and emergency repairs when required
• Assist with replacement of mechanical components including bearings, belts, motors, rollers, pumps, and conveyors
• Maintain the machines free of lint
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and workshop equipment safely and effectively
• Assist with maintaining maintenance records and reporting completed work
• Work collaboratively with operations and engineering teams to minimise downtime
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the maintenance department

About you

• Previous experience in mechanical maintenance, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, engineering support, or similar environment preferred
• Practical mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience working with machinery and tools
• Ability to assist with fault finding and basic troubleshooting of mechanical systems
• Experience working in industrial or production environments advantageous
• Welding, fabrication, or fitting experience beneficial but not essential
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and follow technical instructions
• Mechanical, engineering, maintenance, or trade-related qualification preferred
• Ability to perform manual handling and physically demanding tasks
• Comfortable working in industrial production environments