Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Training & certification

Overtime pay

Annual leave

Upington projects

PPE provided

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic for our Upington, Northern Cape operation.

You will maintain and repair a diverse fleet of excavators, loaders, bulldozers, graders and cranes, with focus on diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and powertrain components.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification as Heavy Equipment Mechanic or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of proven heavy machinery experience.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics and electrical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Diagnostics and repairs on heavy construction equipment (excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes).
• Preventative maintenance and inspections for optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot diesel engines, hydraulics, transmissions, braking and electrical systems.
• Read service manuals and diagnostic reports.
• Welding, fabrication and component replacement as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, parts and time spent.
• Ensure safety, policies and environmental standards.
• Respond to emergency repair calls in field or workshop.
• Operate equipment safely during testing.
• Advise on equipment condition and upgrades.

Skills

Diesel engines

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Drivetrain components

Diagnostics software

Manuals & schematics

Troubleshooting

Time management

Field/workshop

On-call

Education

Trade qualification: Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Tools

Diagnostic software

Service manuals

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the civil engineering and construction sector, requires an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic to join their operational team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is critical for maintaining and repairing a diverse fleet of heavy construction machinery, including excavators, loaders, bulldozers, graders, and cranes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and powertrain components specific to heavy equipment. You will be responsible for performing diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and complex repairs to ensure maximum uptime and operational efficiency of the fleet. This is a challenging and rewarding position offering the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and contribute to significant infrastructure projects in the Upington region. We are looking for a highly skilled, safety‑conscious, and independent mechanic who can manage their workload effectively and contribute to a productive team environment. Your expertise will be vital in keeping our client’s operations running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive diagnostics and repairs on heavy construction equipment (excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes, etc.).
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance and inspections to ensure optimal equipment performance and longevity.
• Troubleshoot and repair diesel engines, hydraulic systems, transmissions, braking systems, and electrical components.
• Read and interpret equipment service manuals, technical drawings, and diagnostic reports.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and component replacement as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, repairs, parts used, and time spent on each machine.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Respond to emergency repair calls in the field or workshop to minimize operational disruptions.
• Operate heavy equipment safely when testing or diagnosing issues.
• Advise on equipment condition and recommend necessary upgrades or replacements.

Requirements

• A recognized trade qualification as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in maintaining and repairing heavy construction machinery.
• In‑depth knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical troubleshooting, and drivetrain components specific to heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic software and tools for heavy machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical manuals and schematics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a field or workshop setting.
• A valid driver’s license is required; a Code 10/14 license with a PrDP is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and be on‑call as needed.
• Physical fitness and ability to work in challenging environmental conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R , negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
• Contribution to a medical aid scheme and a retirement annuity.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certification on leading heavy equipment brands.
• Annual performance bonus and potential for overtime pay.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Work on significant projects in the Upington region.
• Company‑provided tools and PPE.
• A stable and supportive work environment with experienced colleagues.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.
• Travel allowances may apply for field service.