Machine Technician

Wenz; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 380 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Western Cape is seeking a Machine Technician to maintain and troubleshoot machinery effectively. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in cosmetics or FMCG production lines. Candidates must have a relevant trade certification and a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems. The position involves preventative maintenance planning, troubleshooting, and supporting 24-hour operations to ensure optimal production performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of practical maintenance and repair experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and pneumatic equipment.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and implementing maintenance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of machinery.
• Ensure all maintenance work is carried out according to safety standards.
• Diagnose root causes of machine malfunctions using mechanical and electrical knowledge.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Preventative maintenance planning

PLC programming

Root Cause Analysis

Technical reporting

Education

Trade Test in Mechanical or Electrical discipline

Certification in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic maintenance

Tools

PLC systems

Preventative maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Job description

JOB PROFILE – (Machine Technician)

1. About the Department

The Manufacturing Department at is responsible for converting raw and packaging materials into finished goods exclusively for our company. The department oversees inbound logistics, receiving and storage, production planning and execution, and compliance with health and safety requirements. Its primary goal is to ensure efficient, safe, and cost‑effective production of high‑quality products that are delivered on time to fulfilment operations.

Overall KRAs

• Deliver production plans on time, in full, and at the right quality.
• Manage inbound logistics and storage of raw and packaging materials efficiently.
• Maintain cost‑efficient production processes with high yield and low waste.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 45001 and health & safety requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing capacity and efficiency.
• Develop and lead manufacturing staff to achieve excellence.

Position Overview

• Job Title: Machine Technician
• Mobility / Travel: On‑site role with limited travel
• After Hours Support / Standby: Required for urgent breakdowns or maintenance
• Qualifications Technical Qualification Or Trade Test (Artisan Preferred): Relevant certification in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic maintenance advantageous
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of practical maintenance and repair experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and implementing maintenance procedures
• Hands‑on experience working with pneumatics and PLCs
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of mechanical systems, components, and pneumatic equipment; electrical knowledge and familiarity with PLCs and automation systems; knowledge of preventative maintenance methodologies (e.g., TPM – Total Productive Maintenance); Root Cause Analysis and FMEA

Purpose

To ensure the smooth operation, reliability, and efficiency of machinery and equipment through effective maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance activities that reduce downtime and support optimal production performance.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Equipment Maintenance
  • Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of machinery and ensure optimal running conditions.
  • Perform lubrication, adjustments, and part replacements as per maintenance schedules.
  • Ensure all maintenance work is carried out in line with manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
  • Coordinate with production teams to plan maintenance during non‑peak times to minimize disruption.
  • Performance indicators: Reduction in unplanned downtime (%); equipment uptime percentage (target ≥ 95%); maintenance work orders completed on time; compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Preventative Maintenance
  • Develop and execute preventative maintenance plans aligned with TPM principles.
  • Identify potential failures and address them proactively to prevent breakdowns.
  • Ensure maintenance logs are updated after each service or inspection.
  • Collaborate with team members to schedule and track maintenance tasks effectively.
  • Performance indicators: Preventative maintenance schedule adherence (%); reduction in repeat equipment failures; documentation accuracy.
• Troubleshooting & Repair
  • Diagnose root causes of machine malfunctions using mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic knowledge.
  • Execute efficient repairs with minimal disruption to production.
  • Document causes of breakdowns and corrective actions taken.
  • Apply Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to prevent recurrence.
  • Performance indicators: Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) reduction; first‑time fix rate (%); average downtime per incident.
• Equipment Installation & Commissioning
  • Assist in the installation and commissioning of new machinery and ensure systems meet operational standards.
  • Conduct regular inspections to identify and rectify potential safety hazards.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and engineers to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
  • Performance indicators: Installation projects completed on time; successful commissioning without rework or faults; compliance with installation and safety protocols.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all machines meet safety, environmental, and compliance standards.
• Perform test runs, calibrations, and quality assurance checks before handover.Promote safe working practices among operators and technicians.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are logged according to safety procedures; 100% safety compliance in audits.
• Zero equipment‑related safety incidents.
• Completion of safety checks and reports per schedule.
• Operator adherence to equipment SOPs.

Training & Technical Support

• Provide on‑the‑job training and technical guidance to machine operators.
• Build operator capability in basic troubleshooting and routine checks.
• Support cross‑functional teams in understanding machine functions and limitations.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are logged according to safety procedures.
• Improvement in operator competency and independence.
• Reduction in operator‑related machine errors.
• Completion of safety checks and reports per schedule.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain detailed and accurate maintenance logs for each machine.
• Track maintenance costs and report on resource utilization.
• Prepare monthly equipment performance and downtime reports.
• Communicate recurring issues and improvement opportunities to management.
• Accuracy and completeness of maintenance records.
• Timeliness of maintenance reporting.
• Trend analysis reports submitted as per schedule.
• Management satisfaction with maintenance data accuracy.

Job Specific Skills

• Mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Preventative and corrective maintenance planning.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and FMEA application.
• PLC programming and automation familiarity.
• Technical reporting and documentation.
• Safety and compliance awareness.

Ideal Candidate Profile – Machine Technician (Cosmetics Manufacturing, 24‑Hour Operations)

• Direct Cosmetics/FMCG Manufacturing Experience.
• Minimum 5 years hands‑on experience maintaining and troubleshooting high‑speed machinery in cosmetic, personal care, or FMCG/packaging factories.
• Recent, proven track record with filling, capping, labeling, and automatic packaging equipment; experience with mixers, conveyors, PLC‑integrated lines, and Clean‑in‑Place (CIP) systems for GMP compliance.
• Strong Technical Foundation.
• Certified artisan (Red Seal, Trade Test, or equivalent NQF qualification) in ELECTRICAL or MECHANICAL discipline.
• Advanced understanding of PLC fault‑finding, automation controls, and pneumatics/hydraulics (ideally Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or equivalent).
• Proficient with preventative maintenance programs and root cause analysis in a regulated plant environment.
• High‑Pressure Environment Readiness.
• Background supporting multiple shifts/24‑hour production, including breakdowns & rapid response under tight timelines.
• Composed, reliable, and methodical – effective at reducing downtime, maintaining OEE, and implementing quick fixes while ensuring long‑term reliability.
• Compliance and Best Practice Mindset – ISO, GMP, or food safety audit exposure; understands the rigor of compliant manufacturing.
• Strong documentation, safety engagement, and commitment to best practices.
• Experience creating or maintaining preventive and corrective maintenance schedules with a computer‑based maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Supervisory and People Skills – Proven ability to lead/supervise a small team (minimum 2‑4 operators or artisans preferred).
• Capable trainer: up‑skills operators in basic maintenance, fosters safety and teamwork, and creates a positive, accountable department culture.
• Flexible to cover shifts, overtime, or be on call as needed for a 24‑hour operation.
• Soft Skills and Mindset – Excellent communication (English required); reliable, solutions‑oriented, and proactive (not just reactive); career stability, loyalty, and a “continuous improvement” mindset.
• Capable of representing the maintenance function in cross‑functional plant projects.

Absolute Requirements (Non‑Negotiables)

• Direct cosmetics/FMCG/packaging line experience.
• Artisan trade test (mechanical/electrical maintenance).
• Experience on PLC‑controlled, automated production lines.Leadership/supervisory capacity – can direct and develop others.

Strong Preferences

• Exposure to international brands or audit‑compliant plants.
• Demonstrated success at improving uptime, performance, and compliance metrics.
• Experience with continuous/process improvement initiatives.