Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape is seeking a Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to lead the maintenance team and ensure reliable operation of pumps, conveyors, motors and gearboxes in a food & beverage manufacturing setting.

You will implement preventative and predictive maintenance, manage CMMS, perform RCAs, optimise spare parts and ensure safety compliance across the facility. 7+ years in leadership roles are expected.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in mechanical maintenance with supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of pumps, conveyors, motors and gearboxes.
• Proven experience in predictive maintenance technologies (vibration, thermography).
• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities with safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical maintenance technicians.
• Oversee corrective maintenance and minimize production downtime.
• Conduct RCAs and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to improve reliability.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance strategy

Root cause analysis

Team management

Problem solving

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor's or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Vibration analysis equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join their operations in Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role involves ensuring the optimal functioning and reliability of all mechanical equipment and systems within the production facility. You will lead a team of maintenance technicians, oversee preventative and corrective maintenance programs, and play a key role in improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of industrial machinery, a strong understanding of maintenance strategies, and excellent leadership skills. This is an opportunity to contribute to the operational success of a well-established company in a beautiful region of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all mechanical equipment. Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of mechanical maintenance technicians, ensuring high performance and safety standards. Oversee the execution of corrective maintenance activities, responding promptly to equipment failures and minimizing production impact. Conduct root cause analyses (RCAs) for equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels for critical components and optimizing procurement processes. Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Collaborate with production and engineering teams to identify opportunities for improving equipment reliability and efficiency. Oversee mechanical aspects of capital projects, including installation and commissioning of new equipment. Maintain accurate maintenance records and generate regular reports on equipment performance and maintenance activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field. Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical maintenance, with a significant portion in a supervisory or leadership role within a manufacturing environment. Extensive knowledge of industrial machinery, including pumps, conveyors, motors, gearboxes, and process equipment. Proven experience in developing and implementing predictive maintenance technologies (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography). Strong understanding of maintenance management systems (CMMS) and spare parts management. Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and technical manuals. Knowledge of food & beverage industry specific equipment and hygiene standards is a strong advantage. Must be based in or willing to relocate to Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund, performance bonuses, and generous paid time off. You will have opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company. This role is based at our facility in Paarl, Western Cape , providing a stable and rewarding career path. We foster a collaborative work environment and value the contributions of our engineering team.