Trainee - Technical Writer And Product Safety Representative [P1]

6487 Sandvik Construc & Exploration; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandvik Mining in South Africa is seeking a technically skilled individual to train as a Technical Writer and support Product Safety activities for RTV equipment and flameproof loaders. You will undergo six months of on-the-job training and complete an online Technical Writing course, with an international certification upon completion.

The role covers technical writing, risk assessments, and coordination with engineering and service teams, with potential travels to Austria HQ as needed.

Qualifications

• Technical education in mechanical, electrical, or mining engineering.
• Willingness to learn technical writing in simple English.
• Interest in creating clear, structured documentation and illustrations.
• Advantage: experience with mining machinery in flameproof environments.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain Operator’s and Maintenance Manuals for RTV equipment and other Mechanical Cutting products.
• Develop structured, easy-to-understand and professional technical instructions based on machine knowledge, inputs from stakeholders and observing the machines in the workshop.
• Produce documentation in clear technical English for global customers.
• Develop technical illustrations based on CAD data, photos, and workshop observations.
• Collect technical input from engineering, service, and workshop teams.

Skills

Strong communication

Structured writing

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Technical engineering education (mechanical/electrical/mining)

Tools

CAD

Microsoft 365

Job description

Sandvik Mining is a global leading supplier in equipment and tools, parts, service and technical solutions for the mining and infrastructure industries. Applications include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. We are proud to be recognized on the Forbes Top 50 Global Employers List.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and technically skilled individual to be trained as a Technical Writer and to also provide some support in Product Safety activities for RTV equipment (Flameproof Loaders) and selected Continuous Miner applications in South Africa.

The successful candidate will undergo approximately six months of on-the-job training and mentoring with the incumbent Technical Writer at Sandvik Khomanani.

Sandvik will also provide basic product safety training. In addition, the candidate will complete an online Technical Writing course and, upon successful completion, will receive an international Technical Writer certification.

The successful candidate will be expected to become proficient in the following areas:

• Technical writing in an XML-based authoring environment
• Technical illustrating in vector and raster formats, and basic CAD
• Be capable of researching, writing, illustrating, and publishing content within the Sandvik Content Management System
• Understand content management systems and the compilation of technical manuals
• Understand and manage version control and editing cycles in technical documentation
• Understand Product Lifecycle Management in the Teamcenter and SAP environments
• Be able to process risk assessment data into technical instructions
• Be able to support the product safety team with risk assessments and safety audits

Main Responsibilities:

Technical Documentation

• Create and maintain Operator’s and Maintenance Manuals for RTV equipment and other Mechanical Cutting products
• Develop structured, easy-to-understand and professional technical instructions based on machine knowledge, inputs from various stakeholders and observing the machines in the workshop
• Produce documentation in clear technical English for global customers
• Develop technical illustrations based on CAD data, photos, and workshop observations
• Collect technical input from engineering, service, and workshop teams

Product Safety Support

• Support risk assessments for machines and safety-related functions
• Act as local contact person for product safety topics in South Africa
• Conduct machine safety audits and inspections
• Identify hazards and support development of safety improvements
• Support compliance with local regulations and internal standards

Cross-functional Coordination

• Work closely with the technical documentation teams in Austria and in India as well as with engineering, service, and workshop teams
• Ensure alignment between design, machine configuration, and documentation
• Support preparation of safety-related documentation packages

Your profile:

Technical Background

• Technical education in mechanical, electrical, or mining engineering or strong workshop experience
• Experience with mining machinery for flameproof environments is an advantage but not mandatory
• Understanding of machine systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and basic electrical concepts
• Experience with Rubber Tired Vehicles or Flameproof Equipment for the mining industry is an advantage

Technical Writing and Documentation Skills:

• Experience in technical documentation is an advantage but not mandatory
• Ability or willingness to learn technical writing in simple English
• Interest in creating clear, structured technical documentation and illustrations
• Ability to structure procedures, safety instructions, and warnings
• Training and coaching in technical writing will be provided

Skills and Competencies:

• Structured and detail-oriented working style
• Strong interest in machine safety and risk assessment topics
• Ability to work in both workshop and office environments
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft 365)
• CAD knowledge and knowledge of software tools for technical documentation is beneficial but not mandatory
• undefined

Personal Attributes:

• Curious and eager to learn
• Structured and precise working style
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently
• Awareness and understanding of safety and quality and how these interact with equipment, personnel, and the environment
• Be willing and able to discuss and problem-solve technical queries with technical staff and then convert solutions into illustrations and written text.
• Be willing for (not very frequent) travel to the headquarter in Austria and to countries where machines are in operation in case of requirements.