Lab Technician - Mechatronics

NMU; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African university is seeking a Technical Support Specialist for the Department of Mechatronics. The ideal candidate will hold an M+3 degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and will have at least three years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include supporting academic staff and supervising student practicals in engineering labs. Strong knowledge of electronic communication systems, leadership skills, and communication abilities are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years relevant experience.
• Registered with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to academic staff.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of electronic equipment.
• Coordinate undergraduate practicals.
• Support students with practical assignments.

Skills

Knowledge of mechanical engineering

Knowledge of electronic communication systems

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Leadership skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work unsupervised

Education

M+3 Mechanical Engineering Degree

M+3 Electrical Engineering Degree

Mechatronics Degree or equivalent

Tools

Digital measuring equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter)

Software for circuit design (Proteus, MultiSim)

Job description

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To provide technical support to the academic staff in the Department of Mechatronics.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Oversee the installation, servicing, upgrading, and maintenance of specific electronic communications equipment.
• Set up electronic communications and general-purpose electrical / electronic engineering laboratories for student practicals and projects.
• Coordination of undergraduate practicals with other departmental technicians.
• Source components and either repair faulty 3D printers, electronic signal and measuring equipment or arrange for external repairs if the warranty has expired.
• Coordinate repairs or replacement with suppliers regarding defective equipment covered under warranty.
• Maintain and support mechanical / electrical / electronic engineering equipment for undergraduate and postgraduate use, ensuring adequate consumables are available for tests, consultations, and research.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets, manage the procurement of components and equipment within budget limits, and handle order processing through the ITS financial system.
• Work closely with suppliers and academic staff to ensure accurate ordering and receipt of specified items.
• Maintain documentation related to the procurement of components and stock received, while coordinating with NMU’s procurement department.
• Support academic staff by supervising student practical tests.
• Provide daily assistance to students with practical assignments, projects, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Manage student resources, including issuing and tracking components and supervising students in hazardous environments.
• Inventory, track and manage academic assets within specified Departmental labs together with University Asset department.
• Offer technical support for special events such as Open Day, short courses, and research activities.
• Identify, report, and help resolve unsafe working conditions, by managing Health and Safety in the department and act as the SHE Representative for the department.
• Ensure adherence to equipment safety and operational procedures, test and regulatory codes. Ensure general laboratory safety standards are in place and always adhered to by all users.
• Ensure laboratories remain organized and clean after use, report building maintenance issues via the ITS system, and follow up on logged faults.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• An in-depth knowledge of mechanical, electronic communication systems and procedures as well as the use of digital measuring equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, multimeter) and various types of electronic signal generating equipment.
• Sound knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Sound knowledge of software used for electrical circuit design and simulation (such as Proteus or MultiSim)
• Sound knowledge of electrical engineering principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Proven leadership skills.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered, applicants must have :

• M+3 Mechanical Engineering or M+3 Electrical Engineering Degree or Mechatronics Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in which competency has been gained.

Preference will be given to candidates registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)

DISCLAIMER: Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets. No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 14 November 2025.