Senior Industrial Plant Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid and pension

Generous annual leave and holidays

Professional development and technical

Company tools and safety equipment

Overtime pay for emergencies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Plant Engineer for its Soweto operations. You will oversee maintenance, operation and efficiency of plant machinery, lead projects, and drive productivity and safety improvements on-site in the Gauteng province.

We require a hands-on engineer with solid mechanical and electrical knowledge, process engineering experience, and strong maintenance management skills to manage operations, troubleshoot issues, and mentor a team of technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of plant engineering or maintenance management experience.
• Experience with heavy machinery, industrial processes, and maintenance best practices.
• CMMS experience desirable.
• On-site Soweto work eligibility in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations and maintenance of equipment.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and process issues.
• Lead and manage plant engineering projects: installations, upgrades, modifications.
• Ensure safe and compliant plant operations and environmental health.
• Manage the plant engineering budget and control costs.
• Supervise and mentor a team of plant technicians and maintenance staff.
• Collaborate with production teams to optimise performance and throughput.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and asset performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and promote a strong safety culture.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Process engineering

Maintenance management

Leadership

Troubleshooting

CMMS

Education

BEng/BSc in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Our client, a major player in the heavy industrial sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Plant Engineer to join their operations in Soweto . This critical role involves overseeing the maintenance, operation, and efficiency of plant machinery and infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring optimal plant performance, minimizing downtime, and implementing improvements to enhance productivity and safety. We are looking for a hands‑on engineer with a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, process engineering, and maintenance management within a complex industrial environment. Your expertise will be vital in managing plant operations, troubleshooting technical issues, and leading projects to upgrade or maintain plant assets. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a key leadership role and make a significant impact on the operational success of our client's facility in the Gauteng province.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of industrial plant equipment and systems.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues.
• Lead and manage plant engineering projects, including installations, upgrades, and modifications.
• Ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations.
• Manage the plant engineering budget and control costs effectively.
• Supervise and mentor a team of plant technicians and maintenance staff.
• Collaborate with production teams to optimize plant performance and throughput.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and inventory.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and promote a strong safety culture within the plant.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in plant engineering or maintenance management within an industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of heavy machinery, industrial processes, and maintenance best practices.
• Proven experience in managing maintenance teams and budgets.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting complex engineering problems.
• Understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to industrial plants.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) is desirable.
• Must be able to work on-site in Soweto and potentially respond to emergencies.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, reflecting experience and responsibilities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced technical training.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment in Soweto .
• Potential for career advancement within a leading industrial company.
• Team-building events and company social functions.
• Overtime pay for extended hours or emergency call-outs.
• Company-provided tools and safety equipment.
• Stable employment with a reputable organization.