Field Service Engineer - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Per diem

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Field Service Engineer to perform on-site installation, maintenance and repair of heavy industrial machinery across the Eastern Cape. This role demands strong problem-solving, hands-on diagnostics and the ability to travel frequently to client sites.

You will diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic faults, interpret drawings, document service reports and provide technical guidance to customers, ensuring optimal uptime and safety on diverse equipment.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with heavy industrial machinery.
• Strong diagnostic and hands-on repair capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of heavy industrial machinery.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on complex equipment.
• Conduct preventative maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
• Provide technical guidance and training to customers on operation and maintenance.
• Respond to service calls promptly and minimize downtime.
• Prepare detailed service reports, documenting work, parts, and recommendations.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and tools for field operations.
• Adhere to safety policies and customer site regulations.
• Maintain communication with service department, engineering team, and clients.
• Identify product improvement opportunities from field feedback and report to engineering.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Problem-solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Test equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of industrial heavy machinery, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Field Service Engineer to provide on-site technical support and maintenance to their extensive client base throughout the Eastern Cape region. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent diagnostic capabilities, and the ability to travel extensively to customer locations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with experience in troubleshooting complex industrial equipment. This is a critical role based out of the East London area, ensuring optimal performance and uptime for our client's machinery in various operational settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of heavy industrial machinery.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on complex equipment.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance to ensure machinery operates at peak performance and longevity.
• Provide technical guidance and training to customers on equipment operation and maintenance best practices.
• Respond promptly to service calls and resolve technical issues efficiently to minimize downtime for clients.
• Prepare detailed service reports, documenting all work performed, parts used, and recommendations.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and tools required for field service operations.
• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, as well as customer site safety regulations.
• Maintain effective communication with the service department, engineering team, and clients.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement based on field feedback and report findings to engineering.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Field Service Engineer or a similar technical support role, specifically with heavy industrial machinery.
• Strong hands-on experience in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools and test equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within the Eastern Cape and potentially other regions.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with specific machinery relevant to industries in the region is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Company vehicle provided for travel.
• Fuel allowance and per diem for travel expenses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing technical training and professional development.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Work with cutting-edge industrial equipment.
• A dynamic role offering variety and the chance to work across the beautiful Eastern Cape