Plant Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Plant Maintenance Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal site. You will develop and implement preventative maintenance programs, troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues, and lead a maintenance team to sustain peak plant performance.

You will work hands-on with CMMS systems, read schematics, manage spare parts and budgets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while minimizing downtime and extending equipment life.

Qualifications

• Experience as Plant Maintenance Engineer in heavy industry.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with CMMS software.
• Ability to read technical drawings and schematics.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• On-site work at Richards Bay plant.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and standby.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all plant machinery and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system failures in a timely manner to minimize production downtime.
• Oversee the maintenance team, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and providing technical guidance and training.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Manage the maintenance budget, including spare parts inventory, contractor costs, and labour expenses.
• Work closely with the production team to understand equipment needs and to schedule maintenance activities efficiently.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment history, and spare parts inventory.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades and process improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Ensure the workshop and maintenance areas are kept clean, organized, and safe.
• Respond to emergency maintenance requests as needed.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

CMMS expertise

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Reading schematics

Safety compliance

Budget management

Team supervision

Education

Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Technical drawings

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking a skilled and experienced Plant Maintenance Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is essential for ensuring the optimal functioning and longevity of all plant machinery and equipment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing preventative maintenance programs, troubleshooting equipment failures, managing maintenance staff, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment. This position requires a hands-on approach, strong technical expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, and a proactive mindset towards maintenance and repair. You will be instrumental in minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency at their key Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. This is a critical operational role within a dynamic industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all plant machinery and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system failures in a timely manner to minimize production downtime.
• Oversee the maintenance team, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and providing technical guidance and training.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Manage the maintenance budget, including spare parts inventory, contractor costs, and labour expenses.
• Work closely with the production team to understand equipment needs and to schedule maintenance activities efficiently.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment history, and spare parts inventory.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades and process improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Ensure the workshop and maintenance areas are kept clean, organized, and safe.
• Respond to emergency maintenance requests as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Plant Maintenance Engineer or similar role in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in an industrial setting.
• A degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Must be able to work on-site at the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal plant.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be on standby for emergency repairs.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.
• There are excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• Employees benefit from working with advanced technology and being part of a stable and growing industrial enterprise in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.