Mechanical Technician

Unilever; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in Gauteng is seeking a Mechanical Technician to ensure the efficient operation of mechanical assets in a manufacturing plant. The candidate will perform maintenance and troubleshooting, install and commission equipment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Applicants should possess a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and have at least 5 years of relevant experience. This full-time position offers an opportunity to work with advanced technologies in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in heavy manufacturing or processing.
• Experience with dust extraction and air-handling systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of lubrication and alignment techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.
• Install and commission mechanical equipment.
• Support reliability engineering initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical fault-finding

Knowledge of conveyor systems

Problem-solving skills

Hands-on technical approach

Reading engineering drawings

Education

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Trade Test Certification as a Mechanical Fitter/Millwright

Tools

CMMS (e.g. BuildApp)

Pneumatic systems

Job description

Unilever is currently hiring for Mechanical Technician

Function

Supply Chain, Engineering • Reports to: Operations Unit Manager • Scope: On Site • Location: Boksburg, South Africa • Terms & Conditions: Regular – Full Time

About Unilever

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world.

Job Purpose

The Mechanical Technician is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical assets within a high-volume washing powder manufacturing plant. The role involves maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement of heavy mechanical systems such as conveyor belts, large horsepower pumps, small pumps, pneumatics, and dust extraction systems. This role is critical in supporting Unilever's goal of achieving world-class manufacturing standards, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement in line with safety, quality, cost, and sustainability objectives.

What will your main responsibilities be

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Perform planned preventive maintenance (PPM), corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical assets (conveyors, pumps, pneumatics, dust extraction systems, gearboxes, couplings, seals, and rotating equipment). Diagnose root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Respond promptly to breakdowns, ensuring minimal production disruption. Ensure effective lubrication, alignment, balancing, and calibration of mechanical systems.
• Installation & Commissioning – Install, commission, and upgrade mechanical equipment and systems to support plant expansion or optimization projects. Participate in start‑up activities, ensuring equipment is set up according to specifications.
• Reliability & Continuous Improvement – Contribute to reliability engineering initiatives such as OEE, RCA, and FMEA. Suggest and implement cost‑saving or efficiency‑enhancing mechanical improvements. Support digitisation and automation upgrades in line with Industry 4.0 and Unilever's smart factory vision.
• Compliance & Safety – Work strictly within Unilever's safety and health guidelines (OSH Act, Factory Regulations, and ISO standards). Conduct risk assessments and comply with Lockout‑Tagout‑Try Out (LOTOTO), permit‑to‑work, and other safety protocols. Ensure dust extraction and pneumatic systems meet environmental and occupational health requirements.
• Documentation & Reporting – Maintain accurate maintenance records in CMMS. Document mechanical inspections, repairs, and parts usage. Provide technical feedback to supervisors and support preparation of weekly/monthly engineering reports.

What you will need to succeed

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Mechanical Engineering OR Trade Test Certification as a Mechanical Fitter/Millwright (Red Seal).
• Additional training in pneumatics, hydraulics, or pumps will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' hands‑on experience in a heavy manufacturing/processing environment (preferably FMCG, detergent, chemical, cement, or mining).
• Strong knowledge of conveyor systems, pumps (centrifugal, positive displacement, high HP), and pneumatics.
• Experience with dust extraction and air‑handling systems.
• Proven track record in mechanical fault‑finding and root cause analysis.
• Exposure to TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) or WCM (World Class Manufacturing) preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Knowledge of lubrication systems, alignment techniques, and vibration analysis.
• Familiarity with CMMS e.g. BuildApp.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and hands‑on technical approach.
• Ability to work shifts and be available for standby/after‑hours support.
• Team player with strong communication skills to work across operations, engineering, and SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) teams.
• Leadership – You are energized by delivering fantastic results, an example to others – your results and resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others. As an individual you are responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

Unilever 4 Behaviors

• Care Deeply – We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere, about our people's growth and development and our impact on the planet.
• Focus on What Counts – We ruthlessly prioritize what really matters, allowing us to do better on fewer things.
• Stay Three Steps Ahead – We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance.
• Deliver with Excellence – We deliver everything we do with excellence and pace.

Are you interested?

Please apply via this portal as e‑mail applications will not be processed.

Equal Opportunity

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners and communities.

We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we value every individual bringing their 'Whole Self' to work. If you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.