Reliability & Maintenance Technician

MSD South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Cape Town is seeking a Facilities and Maintenance Technician to ensure safe, reliable operation of site facilities, equipment, utilities and assets.

You will plan, coordinate, and execute maintenance activities, drive improvements, and support regulatory compliance. The role requires 3–5 years of maintenance experience in manufacturing or warehousing, with a focus on safety and problem solving.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' maintenance experience in a manufacturing, warehousing, or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of preventative and corrective maintenance practices.
• Basic Electrical Safety Certification.
• PLC Fundamentals and Industrial Automation training.
• Knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to prioritise work and perform under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform planned, preventative, and corrective maintenance on production equipment, warehouse equipment, facilities, utilities, and infrastructure.
• Respond to equipment and facility breakdowns to minimize downtime.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify maintenance requirements, safety risks, and equipment failures.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules.
• Support maintenance and reliability processes, including asset registers and contractor management.
• Coordinate statutory inspections and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and company standards, including LOTO procedures.
• Coordinate and manage contractors to ensure safe, on-time, and quality work.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain maintenance records, compliance documentation, asset registers, and spare parts inventory.
• Support fire system inspections, testing, and corrective actions.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Support EHS programs, risk reduction activities, audits, and compliance initiatives.
• Participate in site projects and equipment installations.
• Provide operational support as a secondary Laser Operator when required.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Documentation

Education

Red Seal Electrician or Millwright qualification

Basic Electrical Safety Certification

PLC fundamentals and industrial automation training

Wireman licence (Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician)

Tools

CMMS

MS Office

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Cape Town is seeking a Facilities and Maintenance Technician to ensure safe, reliable operation of site facilities, equipment, utilities and assets.

You will plan, coordinate, and execute maintenance activities, drive improvements, and support regulatory compliance. The role requires 3–5 years of maintenance experience in manufacturing or warehousing, with a focus on safety and problem solving.