Product Assembler

Pelebox; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Pelebox is seeking a Product Assembler to manufacture and prepare PelePoint units and related products. The role emphasizes accuracy, traceability, and safety in a hands-on factory environment in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

You will work under the Operations Manager, following approved drawings, BOMs and SOPs to ensure builds meet quality standards. The job includes wiring, testing, packaging and dispatch readiness with occasional field support as required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate or equivalent.
• Technical certificate, learnership or vocational training in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, fitting, assembly or related field is advantageous.
• 1–3 years practical experience in product assembly, manufacturing, workshop or related roles.
• Ability to read and follow drawings, BOMs, work instructions and checklists.
• Willingness to travel locally and support prototype, pilot or field activities as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical frames, panels, doors, shelves and related components in the approved sequence.
• Measure, align, drill, fasten, seal, label and finish components per drawings and workmanship standards.
• Install cables, connectors, wiring routes and hardware within competence and authorization.
• Prepare and install safety identifications, branding and serial numbers.
• Perform in-process and final inspections and document results.
• Pack and dispatch finished units with accurate records and traceability.

Skills

Read drawings & BOMs

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Safety-conscious

Education

Grade 12 / NSC

Technical certificate/ vocational training (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office/Google Workspace

Forklift/ pallet-jack training (advantageous)

Job description

Product Assembler

(Job Reference: 2026-Q3-Product_Assembler-Ops_Prod-09053)

Organisation Description:

Technovera (Pty) Ltd and Pelebox NPC form a mission-driven South African social enterprise that designs, develops, manufactures, installs and supports inclusive technologies that improve last-mile access to quality healthcare. Our PelePoint smart medicine pickup solution enables patients to collect repeat chronic medication in less than 22 seconds instead of spending hours waiting at public health facilities. More than 2.2 million chronic medicine parcels have been collected through our technology. We work with public-sector, implementation and funding partners across South Africa and the wider region, and our ISO 9001-certified quality management system covers manufacturing, installations, commissioning, maintenance, facilities and software development.

We are looking for a Product Assembler to manufacture and prepare PelePoint units and related products safely, accurately and consistently. The role is responsible for completing defined assembly, fitment, wiring, finishing, inspection, testing, packaging and dispatch-readiness activities in accordance with approved drawings, bills of materials, SOPs, work instructions and quality standards.

This is a practical, hands-on role. The assembler must take care of tools and components, maintain traceable records, report defects early, support inventory control and contribute to a clean and disciplined factory. The work may include prototypes, pilot builds, rework, repairs and occasional support to installations or maintenance, but the primary accountability remains factory-based product assembly.

The ideal candidate is dependable, careful, physically comfortable with workshop work and motivated by completing high-quality products that will serve patients and health facilities.

Role Snapshot:

Function Product Assembly and Manufacturing Operations

Reports to Operations Manager

Key working relationships Product Assembly and Installation Officers, Quality, Field Support, Project & Operations Coordination, suppliers and approved service providers

Employment type Full-Time | 24-month Fixed-Term Contract

Primary work base Johannesburg, Gauteng | Factory and workshop based

Mobility Local collections and deliveries plus occasional project or site support; valid driver's licence required and passport required by start date

What Success Looks Like:

• Assigned products are assembled right first time, to approved specifications and within the agreed production plan.
• Every unit has complete build, inspection, testing and traceability records before release.
• Defects, shortages, drawing conflicts and safety concerns are reported early rather than hidden or worked around.
• Tools, parts, work areas and finished goods are controlled, clean and protected from loss or damage.
• The assembler can demonstrate competence in each authorised task and consistently follows quality and safety controls.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Work Planning and Production Readiness:

• Review the daily and weekly production plan, assigned work orders, priorities, target quantities and required completion dates.
• Confirm that the latest approved drawings, bills of materials, SOPs, work instructions, checklists and quality criteria are available before starting.
• Collect and verify required components, fasteners, cables, consumables, tools, jigs and personal protective equipment.
• Check parts for correct specification, quantity and visible damage and report shortages or discrepancies before assembly.
• Prepare the workstation so materials flow safely and completed and incomplete work remain clearly identified.
• Ask for clarification where instructions conflict or are unclear; do not guess on safety-critical or quality-critical work.
• Record work started, work completed, delays, defects, shortages and assistance required in the approved planning or production records.
• Reconcile incomplete work at the end of each day and ensure parts and partly built units are protected and labelled.

Factory-Based Product Assembly and Fitment:

• Assemble mechanical frames, panels, doors, shelves, brackets, compartments and related components in the approved sequence.
• Measure, align, level, position, drill, fasten, seal, label and finish components using approved tools and methods.
• Fit locks, hinges, handles, wiring routes, screens, scanners, biometric devices, power components, network devices and other approved hardware within competence and authorisation.
• Prepare and install cables, connectors, glands, protection and identification in accordance with drawings and workmanship standards.
• Apply branding, labels, serial numbers, safety markings and user-facing finishing elements accurately.
• Complete repetitive assembly work consistently without bypassing inspections or process steps.
• Support prototype, pilot and sample builds and record deviations, fitment challenges and improvement observations.
• Separate conforming, nonconforming, rework and scrap items and prevent unintended use of rejected components.
• Protect cosmetic surfaces, electronics and completed assemblies from scratches, moisture, contamination and impact.
• Meet agreed production targets while prioritising safety, quality and traceability over speed alone.

Testing, Inspection and Quality Assurance:

• Conduct authorised in-process and final visual, dimensional, functional and basic electrical checks using approved checklists.
• Verify alignment, operation, fastening, cable routing, labelling, cleanliness, finish and completeness before presenting work for inspection.
• Support configuration and testing of locks, screens, scanners, biometric devices, lighting, communications and other product features within training and authorisation.
• Use measuring and test equipment correctly and confirm that equipment is suitable and within required verification status.
• Record actual test results and inspection outcomes legibly and truthfully; never pre-complete, copy or fabricate quality records.
• Report defects and nonconformities immediately, preserve evidence and assist with containment and root-cause analysis.
• Complete approved rework or repair instructions and present corrected work for independent reinspection where required.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing, build reviews and release checks as allocated.
• Use lessons from defects and returns to improve workmanship and prevent recurrence.
• Do not release, pack or dispatch a unit until all required quality gates and approvals are complete.

Packaging, Handover and Dispatch Readiness:

• Clean completed products and remove tools, debris, temporary labels and protective materials not required for transport.
• Confirm that the unit, accessories, keys, spares, manuals, cables and project‑specific items match the dispatch checklist.
• Protect products for storage and transport using approved wrapping, padding, securing and weather‑protection methods.
• Label packages and units with correct project, site, serial, handling and destination information.
• Assist with safe movement, staging, loading and offloading of products using team lifts or handling equipment as required.
• Handover completed products and records to the authorised person and obtain acknowledgement of transfer.
• Report transit‑readiness risks such as loose components, unstable loads, inadequate protection or missing documentation.
• Maintain orderly dispatch and finished‑goods areas so products are identifiable and protected.

Tools, Equipment, Materials and Inventory Control:

• Use hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, jigs and factory equipment only after training and authorisation.
• Inspect tools before use, report defects and remove unsafe equipment from service in accordance with procedure.
• Maintain assigned toolboxes, equipment and assets and complete required issue, return and inspection records.
• Use components and consumables carefully, minimise waste and return unused material to the correct controlled location.
• Support receiving, counting, labelling, binning, issuing, stock counts and investigation of inventory differences.
• Maintain traceability of serialised, safety‑critical, high‑value or project‑specific parts.
• Assist with approved supplier collections, deliveries and movement of defective or repaired parts.
• Immediately report loss, damage, theft, unusual consumption or stock‑out risk.

Safety, Housekeeping and Environmental Care:

• Follow all safety rules, risk controls, SOPs, equipment instructions, signage and supervisor directions.
• Wear and care for required PPE and report damaged, missing or unsuitable PPE before work begins.
• Maintain a clean, uncluttered and organised workstation throughout the shift, not only at the end of the day.
• Use correct manual‑handling methods and ask for assistance or lifting equipment for large, awkward or heavy items.
• Control sharp edges, electrical hazards, cables, chemicals, dust, noise, hot work and moving equipment within authorised procedures.
• Report hazards, near misses, incidents, injuries and unsafe conditions immediately and cooperate with investigations.
• Stop and seek assistance where there is a serious and immediate risk or where the required control is not available.
• Separate and dispose of waste, packaging, scrap, batteries and electronic materials through approved channels.
• Participate in toolbox talks, drills, safety inspections and corrective actions.
• Protect colleagues, visitors and service providers by maintaining safe boundaries around active work.

Reporting, Communication and Continuous Improvement:

• Complete work orders, build sheets, checklists, material records, nonconformity reports and handover documents accurately and on time.
• Communicate progress, delays and support needs proactively to the Operations Manager or delegated team lead.
• Participate in production planning, daily reconciliation, quality reviews, retrospectives and improvement discussions.
• Suggest practical improvements to assembly sequence, tooling, jigs, layout, ergonomics, material use and quality controls.
• Support controlled trials of approved improvements and provide honest feedback on results.
• Assist with updating SOPs, photographs, checklists and training materials when processes are formally changed.
• Share knowledge with new or developing assemblers and demonstrate tasks only where competent and authorised.
• Maintain respectful communication and ask for feedback to improve workmanship and productivity.

Occasional Field, Maintenance and General Support:

• Assist installation or field teams with preparation, loading, offloading, site setup or product fitment when specifically assigned.
• Perform only field or maintenance tasks for which training, supervision, tools and safety controls are provided.
• Represent the organisation professionally at suppliers, partner premises and public‑health sites.
• Comply with site access, confidentiality, infection‑control, safety and customer communication requirements.
• Support basic in‑house repairs, refurbishment, parts recovery and investigation of returned products.
• Work collaboratively during prototype builds, urgent production periods and approved project mobilisation.
• Follow all organisational policies, quality procedures and delegated authority limits.
• Undertake other duties reasonably consistent with the role's grade, competence and organisational needs.

Experience & Qualification:

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate or equivalent [Minimum NQF Level 4].
• A technical certificate, learnership or vocational training in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, fitting, assembly, fabrication or a related field is advantageous.
• One to three years' practical experience in product assembly, manufacturing, workshop, fitment, electrical or mechanical work is preferred; strong entry‑level candidates with verified practical aptitude may be considered.
• Ability to read and follow drawings, bills of materials, written work instructions, checklists and basic measurements.
• Demonstrated practical dexterity, attention to detail, safe tool use and willingness to repeat tasks consistently.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to complete electronic or paper production records; Microsoft Office or Google Workspace exposure is advantageous.
• Ability to communicate clearly, report problems early, receive corrective feedback and work effectively in a team.
• Valid South African driver's licence and confidence driving for local collections, deliveries or project support; Code 10 and PDP are advantageous.
• Valid passport by the start date and willingness to undertake occasional national or regional travel and overnight stays.
• Forklift, pallet‑jack, first‑aid, electrical‑safety or other relevant certified training is advantageous but does not replace internal authorisation.
• Legal right to work in South Africa and ability to complete role‑relevant verification, reference and practical competency checks.

Working Conditions and Mobility:

• This is primarily a factory and workshop role involving standing, reaching, bending, repetitive tasks, tool use and movement of components. Reasonable accommodation will be considered where the inherent requirements can still be met safely.
• The role requires strict use of PPE and compliance with quality, safety, housekeeping and equipment‑control requirements.
• Occasional early starts, additional hours, site support, overnight travel or weekend work may be required for approved project needs, with working time managed under organisational policy.
• Appointment and continued task authorisation depend on demonstrated practical competence; employees may not perform unapproved high‑risk work.

Closing Date:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications that meet the role requirements have the strongest likelihood of being shortlisted and interviewed. The advert may be closed once a suitable candidate has been selected.

Hiring Policy:

We are committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion. Appointments take account of our employment equity goals, the inherent requirements of the role and demonstrated capability. We encourage women, young professionals and people with disabilities to apply, and will consider reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process.

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