Battery Technician

Staff Solutions; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Solutions is seeking a skilled Battery Technician to diagnose faults, troubleshoot and repair battery systems. The role covers on-site service, workshop repairs and field support for customers, with emphasis on lithium and lead-acid batteries, battery chargers and safety compliance.

The candidate should have a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, at least three years of hands-on battery experience, and relevant licenses. OHSACT safety practices are essential.

Qualifications

• Three years' experience with lithium batteries and electrical components.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose faults and troubleshoot battery systems at workshops or customer sites.

Job description

Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, the appointed individual must be able to perform each essential duty and key performance area satisfactorily. The responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive and may be amended, expanded or supplemented from time to time to accommodate changing business needs.

1. Fault Diagnosis, Troubleshooting and Repairs

• Accurately diagnose faults, troubleshoot equipment and perform the necessary repairs in the event of equipment breakdowns.
• Identify and communicate required repairs to customers and/or supervisors, providing appropriate advice and recommendations.
• Perform repairs and maintenance at customer sites and/or in the workshop.
• Use a multimeter correctly to test batteries, identify faults and troubleshoot complete battery systems.
• Read, interpret and respond appropriately to battery assessment and technical reports.
• Access, repair and replace faulty battery accessories and electrical components as required.

2. Battery Assembly, Rebuilding and Maintenance

• Assemble new batteries in accordance with the correct layout, configuration and polarity requirements.
• Select and install the correct cells in the appropriate tanks according to the relevant machine model and specifications.
• Cut and fit packing materials correctly to secure and stabilise cells within battery tanks.
• Safely remove cells that are wedged or difficult to extract from battery tanks.
• Strip, rebuild, service and repair lead-acid and lithium batteries, as well as battery chargers.
• Perform acid adjustments on lead-acid batteries when required and in accordance with applicable procedures and safety requirements.
• Paint, clean and mark steel battery tanks as and when necessary.
• Complete battery assembly and rebuilding tasks within the specified timeframes.
• Conduct thorough quality checks upon completion of assembly, rebuilding or repair work to ensure that batteries meet the required standards and are safe to operate.

3. Battery Testing and Quality Assurance

• Test batteries, chargers and associated electrical components to verify their functionality and operational safety.
• Ensure that all completed repairs, assemblies and servicing comply with relevant technical specifications, quality standards and operating requirements.
• Verify that batteries and chargers are safe and fit for operation before being returned to customers or placed into service.

4. Delivery and Field Service

• Deliver batteries and battery chargers to customers as required.
• Provide technical support and perform field service duties at customer premises when required.
• Ensure that all work performed at customer sites is completed professionally, safely and in accordance with applicable procedures and standards.

5. Health, Safety and Housekeeping

• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSACT), applicable regulations and established safety procedures when working in workshops and on customer premises.
• Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring that batteries, chargers, tools and equipment are handled, tested, repaired and maintained safely.
• Follow established safety standards, work instructions and procedures, and comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organised and tidy workshop and ensure that tools, equipment and work areas are kept in good order.

6. Technical Development and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and improve technical knowledge and job-related skills by participating in relevant training, educational opportunities and professional development activities.
• Keep up to date with developments in battery technology, electrical components, battery charging systems, troubleshooting methods and repair procedures.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Education, Training and Experience

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of three years' experience working with lithium batteries and electrical components.
• Qualified electrician or electronics technician, with practical experience in lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries and battery charging equipment.
• General working knowledge of battery systems, battery chargers and their associated electrical systems.

Required Certificates, Licences and Registrations

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
• Valid Code 8 or Code 10 driver's licence, applicable to field service technicians.
• Valid forklift operator's licence.