Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

The Recruitment Guy (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer in Cape Town to lead maintenance operations in a steel manufacturing plant. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in heavy industrial environments and a relevant mechanical engineering qualification. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance activities, ensuring safety compliance, and managing technical support. Enjoy a competitive salary starting at R80,000 per month with benefits like relocation assistance and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Relocation assistance

Accommodation support

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in the steel manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience in high-temperature, high-load environments.
• Must qualify for GMR 2.1 appointment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical maintenance function for the steel plant.
• Ensure plant mechanical systems operate safely and efficiently.
• Develop and implement mechanical maintenance schedules.

Skills

Leadership skills

Fault-finding and diagnostic ability

Knowledge of OHS Act and safety standards

Planning and organizing skills

Hands-on mechanical engineering ability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

GCC Factories

Tools

Furnaces

Crane and lifting equipment

Hydraulics and pneumatics

Job description

Mechanical Maintenance Engineer required in Cape Town.

An opportunity for an experienced steel manufacturing and processing Mechanical Maintenance Engineer (GMR 2.1 Appointment) is available for permanent employment based in Cape Town to join a technical leadership team.

This role is ideally suited for candidates who have significant experience in primary or secondary steelmaking operations, such as those gained from ArcelorMittal, Scaw Metals, Highveld Steel, or other large heavy-industry processing plants.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the availability, integrity and reliability of all mechanical assets across the plant—including furnaces, rolling equipment, melt shop equipment, conveyors, hydraulic systems, and heavy mechanical machinery.

Salary: ± R80 000 per month + Relocation Assistance + Accommodation Support + Medical Aid + Provident Fund.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mechanical Maintenance Leadership
  • Lead the full mechanical maintenance function for the steel plant.
  • Provide high-level technical support to the maintenance team.
  • Oversee day-to-day mechanical maintenance activities including breakdowns, preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, and plant modifications.
• Asset Reliability & Plant Performance
  • Ensure plant mechanical systems operate safely, efficiently, and within optimal performance parameters.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring mechanical failures and implement long-term solutions.
  • Develop and improve maintenance strategies aligned with steelmaking operational demands.
• Planning, Scheduling & Resource Management
  • Develop and implement mechanical maintenance schedules for all critical plant equipment.
  • Plan and execute shutdowns, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Coordinate the activities of artisans, technicians, contractors and service providers.
  • Ensure all work is completed on time, within budget and in compliance with safety regulations.
• GMR 2.1 Statutory Responsibility
  • Act as the legally appointed GMR 2.1 Responsible Person for machinery.
  • Ensure compliance with the OHS Act, pressure vessel regulations, lifting equipment legislation, etc.
  • Ensure safety documentation, SOPs and inspection registers are maintained.
• Inventory, Materials & Equipment Control
  • Manage mechanical long-lead spares, tools, consumables, equipment procurement and budget control.
  • Optimise cost without compromising equipment safety or reliability.
• Engineering Projects & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead mechanical installation projects, upgrades and modifications.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant reliability and efficiency.
  • Recommend mechanical redesigns or upgrades where required to support capacity expansion.
• Team Development & Supervision
  • Supervise and mentor maintenance teams, artisans and apprentices.
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability and operational excellence.
  • Conduct competency evaluations and training plans for maintenance personnel.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years experience in the steel manufacturing sector (iron making, steelmaking, rolling mills, heavy industrial mechanical maintenance or similar).
• Proven experience in a high-temperature, high-load and continuous-production environment.
• Exposure to heavy mechanical equipment such as:
  • furnaces
  • cranes & lifting equipment
  • rolling lines
  • gearboxes & compressors
  • hydraulics & pneumatics
  • large rotating machinery
• Bachelor’s Degree / National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (BEng / BTech / National Diploma).
• Must qualify for GMR 2.1 appointment.
• GCC Factories (advantageous but not essential).

Core Competencies:

• Strong understanding of steel plant mechanical systems
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills
• Ability to work in high-pressure, continuous-production environments
• Strong fault-finding, analysis and diagnostic capability
• Hands-on, practical mechanical engineering ability
• Sound knowledge of OHS Act, GMR compliance and safety standards
• Excellent planning, organising, and communication skills
• High integrity, discipline and commitment to safety

Package & Remuneration:

• Competitive industry-related salary (neg. from ± R80 000 p/m).
• Relocation assistance provided.
• Accommodation support for the transition period.
• Medical aid & provident fund included.
• Long-term career development within a growing iron & steel operation.