Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to lead the maintenance function, ensuring reliability, safety, and optimal performance of plant machinery.

You will drive predictive and preventive strategies, supervise technicians, manage budgets, and coordinate shutdowns and capital projects while fostering a culture of proactive maintenance. Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years of mechanical maintenance experience, with 3+ years in a senior/supervisory role.
• Experience with predictive maintenance techniques (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis).
• Knowledge of rotating equipment and mechanical systems in industrial plants.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with CMMS and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage mechanical maintenance programs including predictive and preventative strategies.
• Oversee inspection, diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and conveyors.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical technicians and artisans.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with safety, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Manage maintenance budget and optimize resource allocation.
• Analyze equipment failures and perform root cause analysis (RCA).
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure availability of critical components.
• Coordinate maintenance shutdowns and capital projects with production and engineering.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and performance reports.
• Stay updated with advancements in mechanical engineering and maintenance technologies and propose improvements.
• Ensure safe work practices by the maintenance team and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Decision making

CMMS proficiency

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established industrial entity, is seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This pivotal role is responsible for leading the mechanical maintenance function, ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of all plant machinery and equipment. The successful candidate will have a strong engineering background, extensive experience in predictive and preventative maintenance strategies, and exceptional leadership skills. You will play a key role in minimizing downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing operational efficiency. This position requires a commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of mechanical systems, and the ability to foster a culture of proactive maintenance within the team. The role is central to maintaining the operational integrity of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive mechanical maintenance programs, including predictive and preventative maintenance strategies.
• Oversee the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of mechanical equipment, such as pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and conveyor systems.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical technicians and artisans, providing technical guidance and performance management.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are conducted in compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Manage the maintenance budget, control costs, and optimize resource allocation for maintenance activities.
• Analyze equipment failures and implement root cause analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrence.
• Manage spare parts inventory to ensure availability of critical components and optimize stock levels.
• Collaborate with production and engineering departments to plan and execute maintenance shutdowns and capital projects.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, including work orders, equipment history, and performance reports.
• Stay current with advancements in mechanical engineering and maintenance technologies, recommending improvements.
• Ensure safe work practices are strictly followed by the maintenance team and contractors.
• Willingness to be based in or relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in mechanical maintenance, with at least 3 years in a senior or supervisory role within an industrial environment.
• Proven expertise in predictive maintenance techniques (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis).
• Extensive knowledge of various mechanical systems and rotating equipment commonly found in industrial plants.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, materials science, and failure analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and relevant software.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations pertinent to industrial maintenance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels.
• Willingness to be based in or relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance-related bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided. Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and further training in advanced maintenance technologies are available. The company culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and innovation. This role offers the chance to lead a critical function in a stable industry and contribute to operational excellence in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . Relocation assistance may be considered for the successful candidate. Join a reputable organization committed to maintaining high standards.