Lead Field Service Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Tool allowance

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Field Service Engineer to oversee installations and maintenance in the Cape Town region. You will lead technicians, provide expert on-site support, and drive reliability of industrial machinery at client sites.

You will troubleshoot complex issues, manage installations, and develop preventative maintenance plans while ensuring safety and quality standards. A strong leadership background and travel readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in field service engineering for industrial machinery
• Experience in leadership or supervisory roles
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and PLC/automation background
• Ability to read complex manuals, schematics, and blueprints
• Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and customer-facing skills
• Valid engineering degree or strong technical diploma preferred
• Willingness to travel within the Cape Town area and beyond as required
• Valid driver’s license and commitment to safe work practices

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of field service technicians, assigning tasks and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Provide on-site technical support and expert-level troubleshooting for complex machinery issues.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and integration of new equipment at client facilities.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules to maximize uptime.
• Conduct diagnostics of mechanical, electrical, and software faults.
• Prepare detailed service reports with findings and actions taken.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to provide feedback on performance.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure timely ordering and delivery.
• Ensure service activities comply with safety regulations and company policies.
• Train clients on operation and basic maintenance of installed equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Project management

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PLC systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing equipment, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Lead Field Service Engineer to oversee installations and maintenance operations in the **Cape Town** region. This pivotal role involves leading a team of technicians, providing expert technical support, and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery for complex industrial machinery. You will be instrumental in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment at client sites, contributing significantly to our client's reputation for reliability and excellence in **Cape Town**. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned engineer passionate about technology and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of field service technicians, assigning tasks and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Provide on-site technical support and expert-level troubleshooting for complex machinery issues.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and integration of new equipment at client facilities.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules to maximize equipment uptime and minimize disruptions.
• Conduct in-depth diagnostics of mechanical, electrical, and software-related faults.
• Prepare detailed service reports, including findings, actions taken, and recommendations for future maintenance.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to provide feedback on equipment performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure timely ordering and delivery for service operations.
• Ensure all service activities comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Train clients on the operation and basic maintenance of the installed equipment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a field service engineering role, with a focus on industrial machinery or complex technical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Strong background in mechanical, electrical, and possibly automation/PLC systems.
• Ability to interpret complex technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer-facing skills.
• A relevant engineering degree or a strong technical diploma is highly preferred.
• Willingness to travel within the **Cape Town** area and occasionally further afield as required.
• Valid driver's license and a commitment to safe work practices.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent medical and dental coverage, and a robust retirement plan.
• Our client invests in its employees through continuous training programs and opportunities for professional growth, including access to advanced technical certifications.
• A company vehicle, fuel allowance, and a tool allowance are provided.
• The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, with strong support from management.
• This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a real impact in the **Cape Town** industrial sector.