Johannesburg North: Mechanical Engineer (Maintenance / Projects – Manufacturing) with 1 to 2 years manufacturing experience posted by Network Contracting

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Maintenance Engineering & Machine Readiness
– Ensure high levels of machine availability and readiness to support daily production requirements
– Assist in fault-finding, troubleshooting and restoring equipment to operational condition
– Investigate recurring breakdowns and implement corrective and preventative actions
– Support preventative maintenance planning and maintenance execution improvements
– Participate in shutdown planning, risk identification and maintenance readiness
2) Project Engineering & Implementation
– Support plant improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency, uptime, safety and throughput
– Assist with installations, commissioning, upgrades and modifications of equipment
– Develop basic project plans including timelines, risks and resources required
– Coordinate contractors and internal teams to ensure projects are completed successfully
– Ensure compliance with engineering and safety standards during project execution
3) Continuous Improvement & Operational Productivity
– Identify production losses and lead engineering-driven improvement initiatives
– Drive lean improvement actions to reduce downtime, improve cycle times and reduce wastage
– Monitor equipment performance and highlight opportunities for improvement
– Support implementation of operational solutions that increase productivity and output
4) Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
– Conduct structured root cause analysis (RCA) on failures, defects and process inefficiencies
– Use methods such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, and corrective action tracking
– Implement sustainable technical fixes and confirm effectiveness through measurable results
5) Training, SOPs & Standardisation
– Train operators and production teams on equipment best practices and improved methods
– Assist with developing and updating SOPs, work instructions and maintenance procedures
– Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, continuous improvement and performance
6) Reporting & Engineering Documentation
– Compile technical reports on downtime, maintenance effectiveness and improvements implemented
– Maintain engineering documentation including modification records and equipment updates
– Assist with audits and quality requirements where engineering input is needed
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
– BTech / BEng / BSc in Mechanical Engineering (South African university qualification)
– 1–2 years’ experience as a Maintenance Engineer or Project Engineer in a Manufacturing / Industrial environment
– Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of plant equipment and manufacturing operations
– Ability to work on-site in Randburg / Roodepoort
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
– Assertive, confident and able to take ownership of engineering actions
– Strong technical troubleshooting ability with a solutions-focused mindset
– Good planning and coordination skills (projects, contractors, plant priorities)
– Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and train teams
– High attention to detail with an organised approach to documentation and reporting
– Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
ADVANTAGEOUS / PREFERRED
– Exposure to planned maintenance systems, CMMS or maintenance scheduling tools
– Understanding of safety compliance in manufacturing (risk assessments, permits, SOPs)
– Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvement principles
– Driver’s license and own transport
PERFORMANCE MEASURES / KPI’S
Success in this role will be measured by:
– Improved machine uptime and availability
– Reduction in recurring breakdowns and downtime losses
– Increased productivity and operational efficiency
– Successful delivery of improvement projects (scope, time, quality, safety)
– Improved operator capability through training and standardised practices