Specialized Equipment Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Training & certifications

State-of-the-art equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Specialized Equipment Maintenance Engineer for its Pietermaritzburg operations. The role balances on-site hands-on maintenance with remote reporting, analysis, and planning to keep complex machinery running reliably.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, excellent diagnostic skills, and a proactive mindset for maintaining cutting-edge equipment while collaborating with production and other departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering.
• 4–6 years in maintenance engineering for specialized industrial equipment.
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and control systems.
• Experience with preventative and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Proficient in reading engineering drawings and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans for specialized machinery.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control faults.
• Perform repairs and replace faulty components to minimize downtime.
• Analyze equipment data to identify trends and optimize maintenance.
• Coordinate with production to align maintenance with operations.
• Calibrate and test equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records and performance metrics.
• Stay updated on new maintenance techniques and technologies.
• Uphold safety and environmental standards during maintenance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement for reliability and efficiency.

Skills

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Mechanical and electrical knowledge

Analytical thinking

Teamwork & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

Thermography

Vibration analysis

Engineering drawings

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialized equipment manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Specialized Equipment Maintenance Engineer to join their established operations in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of highly specialized machinery and production lines. You will be responsible for executing preventative maintenance schedules, diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues, and implementing improvements to enhance equipment reliability and performance. This hybrid role allows for flexibility, combining on‑site work essential for hands‑on maintenance with remote capabilities for reporting, analysis, and planning. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, excellent diagnostic skills, and a proactive approach to maintaining cutting‑edge equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive preventative maintenance plans for specialized machinery.
• Perform in-depth diagnostics and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and electronic faults.
• Conduct repairs and replace faulty components, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends and implement proactive maintenance strategies.
• Collaborate with production teams to understand operational needs and integrate maintenance schedules effectively.
• Oversee the calibration and testing of specialized equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, parts used, and performance metrics.
• Stay updated on the latest maintenance techniques and technologies relevant to our specialized equipment.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and environmental regulations during maintenance operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing equipment reliability and efficiency.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in maintenance engineering, focusing on specialized industrial equipment.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Experience with preventative and predictive maintenance techniques (e.g., thermography, vibration analysis).
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and liaise with different departments.
• Willingness to adopt a hybrid work model, balancing essential on‑site duties with remote responsibilities.
• Familiarity with specific industry equipment relevant to our client’s operations is a significant advantage.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies.
• A supportive work environment that encourages innovation and growth.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.