Maintenance Technician

Abantu Staffing Solutions; East London; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Abantu Staffing Solutions seeks a skilled maintenance technician in East London, South Africa, to perform essential mechanical and electrical maintenance on plant equipment. This role involves responding to breakdowns, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a NQF 4 qualification and a relevant trade test, along with 3-5 years of experience, particularly in automotive manufacturing. Proficiency in programming robots and a solid understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and technical documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years working experience within Maintenance Department, preferably automotive manufacturing.
• Ability to read and understand technical and electrical drawings.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing principles and disciplined application.

Responsibilities

• Carry out mechanical and electrical maintenance to required standards.
• Assist in installation or movement of machinery as needed.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to correct standards.
• Record and analyze machine breakdowns to reduce downtime.

Skills

Mechanical and electrical maintenance

Programming of robots

Hydraulics and pneumatics knowledge

Technical drawing comprehension

Problem-solving techniques

MS Office proficiency

Education

NQF 4 (Grade 12) qualification

Millwright/Industrial Electrical/Toolmaker/Fitter and Turner Trade Test

Job description

Purpose

To carry out mechanical and electrical maintenance on plant equipment, responding to breakdowns and completing planned tasks to minimize downtime, support efficient production, and contribute to continuous improvement, industrialization, and quality initiatives in line with company standards.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF 4 (Grade 12) qualification + Millwright/ Industrial Electrical/Toolmaker/Fitter and Turner Trade Test


• 3-5 years working experience within Maintenance Department (preferable Automotive Manufacturing Company)


• Knowledge of different machine types, e.g., compressors. Programming of robots such as ABB & Kuka


• Broad background in manufacturing technology and line operating experience. Working knowledge in hydraulics and pneumatics, Electrical and Mechanical repairs, general engineering and machining


• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing principles, techniques, methods and disciplined in their application.


• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and electrical drawings


• Trained in problem solving techniques.


• Possess excellent people relations skills, and can demonstrate communication skills, with concepts and instructions.


• Ability to build and repair electrical circuits an advantage


• Computer literacy – thorough experience with MS Office - Windows

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure all maintenance activities (electrical and mechanical) are carried out to the required standard and fool-proofing techniques are applied when ever possible.


• Ensure continuous improvement philosophy is applied.


• Assist production in interpreting relevant machine values in relation to the operation of the machine.


• Carry out appropriate actions to ensure scrap reduction during set-up and production activities.


• Respect budget by ensuring no wastage of spare components.


• Carry out stock takes as defined to ensure availability of spares.


• Ensure all maintenance systems as defined


• Actively participate in all action teams as requested.


• Carry out all mechanical or electrical adjustments on machines to ensure product quality.


• Assist in installation or moving of any machinery when needed. Assist in any projects relating to upgrading of the factory/ machine or plant layout


• Carry out all maintenance activities required, in normal and after hours to ensure down time is kept to the minimum.


• Ensure that all electrical machinery and equipment is safe to operate.


• Ensure that all protective equipment controlling access to live electrical components are in good condition.


• Isolate and forbid the utilization of any equipment that presents a risk to employees until the problem is fixed.


• Perform all scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to the correct standard.


• Ensure correct application of LOTO instructions and rules when doing any maintenance interaction on Machines.


• Assist contractors and other personal with LOTO arrangement when and where applicable.


• Assist the production team in order to maintain and when possible, to improve the productivity, by minimizing the production line stoppage.


• Promote, adhere to, and ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures and instructions in the capacity of employment e.g. Quality, HIV/AIDS etc.


• Ensure the proper housekeeping of any areas when electrical and mechanical are concerned.


• Ensure safety, health and environmental issues relating to all activities conducted on the company's premises are respected.


• Support all process related activities with support from the relevant Process Owner


• On time completion of preventative maintenance tasks


• Record and analyze machine breakdowns to reduce downtime and minimize scrap caused by machine failures and setup activities.


• Maintain Quality and safety standards.


• Drive and sustain backup strategies for plant equipment (Robotic program backups, critical spares etc.)

Key Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrates a proactive and responsible approach to Safety, Health, and Environmental issues


• Fosters collaborative teamwork with customers, colleagues, and management


• Is self-motivated, self-starting, and able to work independently with minimal supervision


• Adheres to rules, regulations, procedures, and instructions


• Exhibits a careful and responsible attitude towards company property, tools, and equipment


• Possesses a punctual and reliable nature


• Ability to travel to other sites out of town, as needed