Plant Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Career advancement

Training & development

Secure work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks an experienced Plant Mechanical Engineer to oversee mechanical operations and maintenance of the facility. You will troubleshoot, implement preventative maintenance strategies, and manage capital improvement projects to keep plant machinery in peak condition.

The role requires hands-on problem-solving, strong knowledge of rotating equipment, hydraulics, and CMMS, with a focus on safety and reliability to support production goals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years in plant/industrial maintenance.
• Experience with rotating equipment, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings and schematics.
• Hands-on diagnostic and problem-solving approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical failures and identify root causes.
• Oversee major mechanical installations and upgrades with safety compliance.
• Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Analyze equipment data to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

CMMS

Rotating equipment

Diagnostics

Problem solving

Spare parts management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and experienced Plant Mechanical Engineer to oversee the mechanical operations and maintenance of their facility in Durban. This role is critical for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of all plant machinery and equipment. You will be responsible for troubleshooting, preventative maintenance strategies, and capital improvement projects. The successful candidate will be a hands‑on problem‑solver, dedicated to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting the production goals of the facility in the bustling KwaZulu‑Natal region, ensuring all mechanical systems are in peak condition.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules for all plant machinery and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical failures, identifying root causes and implementing long‑term solutions.
• Oversee major mechanical installations and upgrade projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards and project deadlines.
• Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate with suppliers for timely procurement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a plant or industrial maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of rotating equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, and process piping.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and schematics.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.

Benefits

• Attractive salary with performance incentives.
• Full medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company.
• A stable and secure working environment in a key industrial location.
• Paid training and professional development courses.