Job Description
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to provide leadership and technical direction across all mechanical engineering activities supporting sugar production at our client’s integrated sugar factory in East Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior-level oversight of all mechanical assets across the factory including: cane preparation and handling systems, milling tandems and extraction systems, boilers, pressure systems, and steam infrastructure, turbines and power generation equipment, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, conveyors, and rotating machinery, evaporation, crystallisation, and refinery systems, packaging and utilities infrastructure
- Drive reliability-centred maintenance practices and long-term asset integrity strategies
- Reduce unplanned downtime through engineering-led improvements
- Lead preventative and predictive maintenance frameworks
- Oversee major overhaul programs and off-crop shutdown planning
- Introduce modern reliability tools including condition-based monitoring and failure trend analysis
- Enhance maintenance planning disciplines and CMMS utilisation
- Improve engineering standards and maintenance culture across teams
- Partner closely with factory operations leadership to improve throughput and recovery performance
- Drive mechanical solutions that optimise process efficiency and plant utilisation
- Provide rapid, technically sound leadership during critical breakdown scenarios
- Provide senior oversight of high-pressure steam systems, boilers, and turbine operations
- Improve energy efficiency, steam balance, and mechanical performance of utility systems
- Support sustainable engineering initiatives and cost optimisation
- Lead multidisciplinary maintenance teams including supervisors, artisans, and specialists
- Mentor emerging engineers and strengthen engineering capability within the organisation
- Drive engineering accountability, safety culture, and technical discipline
- Influence cross-functional collaboration between maintenance and production teams
- Ensure strict compliance with engineering safety standards and legal requirements
- Champion safe working practices and risk-based engineering decision-making
- Participate in incident investigations and technical risk mitigation programs
Requirements
- 1020+ years experience within sugar factory environments (critical)
- Proven track record in large integrated sugar operations within Southern Africa, East Africa, or West Africa
- Extensive exposure to continuous-process factory operations
- Experience managing maintenance during high-pressure production campaigns
- Demonstrated leadership in plant-wide mechanical reliability improvement
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Deep expertise in rotating equipment, milling systems, steam and power generation, and heavy mechanical systems
- Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles
- Experience with large shutdown planning and execution
- Familiarity with modern maintenance systems and engineering analytics
Qualifications
No formal education or certifications mentioned.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Highly competitive salary paid in US$ 8000 + (highly negotiable)
Local living allowance
Annual incentive bonus structure
Housing / Accommodation provided (single / Family status)
Medical insurance
Company vehicle
Annual Leave
Annual return Air tickets to point of origin congruent to leave cycle
How to Apply
Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.
About Other IT/Computer Jobs in South Africa
In South Africa, the IT and computer industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with a diverse range of job opportunities available across various sectors. Typically, these roles involve working with technology to drive business growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. Generally, careers in this field require a strong understanding of technical concepts and a willingness to adapt to changing technologies.
When it comes to salary expectations, it’s common for IT and computer professionals in South Africa to earn broad ranges that can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. Typically, entry-level positions may offer salaries between R400 000 and R600 000 per annum, while more senior roles can command higher figures, often ranging from R800 000 to R2 million or more, depending on the specific requirements of the job.
Common skills for IT and computer professionals in South Africa typically include proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, as well as experience with operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS. Data analysis and visualisation tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js are also often required, particularly in roles involving data science or business intelligence. Additionally, IT professionals should be familiar with cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as cybersecurity principles to protect against threats. Other essential skills may include project management, collaboration tools like Slack or Trello, and a solid understanding of database management systems.
Industries that commonly employ IT and computer professionals in South Africa include the financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and public sector organisations. These sectors often require specialists to design, implement, and maintain complex technological systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely.
Career development opportunities for IT and computer professionals in South Africa are diverse and varied. Typically, entry-level roles provide a solid foundation for progression into mid-tier positions, where professionals can take on more senior responsibilities and develop their technical expertise. With experience, it’s common to move into leadership roles or transition into related fields like data science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. Many companies also offer opportunities for training, certification, and continuing education to support the ongoing development of their employees’ skills and knowledge.
This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.
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