Mechanical Technician

Unilever; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company located in Boksburg, South Africa, is seeking a Mechanical Technician to ensure the safe and efficient operation of mechanical assets in its manufacturing plant. The ideal candidate should have a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualifications and at least 5 years of experience in heavy manufacturing. Key responsibilities include maintenance, troubleshooting, and compliance with safety standards. This is a full-time, on-site role with opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in heavy manufacturing or processing environment.
• Strong knowledge of conveyor systems and pumps.
• Experience with dust extraction and air-handling systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance on mechanical assets and troubleshoot failures.
• Install and commission mechanical equipment.
• Contribute to reliability engineering initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Ability to read engineering drawings

Education

National Diploma (NQF 6) in Mechanical Engineering

Trade Test Certification (Red Seal)

Tools

BuildApp (CMMS)

Job description

Overview

Unilever is 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.

You will work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us.

You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow.

You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues who provide mentorship and inspiration so that you can become a better you.

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 supports Unilever's goal of achieving world-class manufacturing standards, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, cost, and sustainability objectives.

Responsibilities

• 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 digitization 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Leadership

• Team player with strong communication skills to work across operations, engineering, and SHE teams.
• Capability to lead initiatives and influence cross‑functional teams.

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.

About Diversity & Inclusion

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants and continue 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. We are 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.

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