Maintenance Technician

Role overview

Hands-on technician responsible for uptime, reliability and safe operation of processing and packing equipment used to make and pack cosmetic creams, toiletries and soap bars across a small group of companies.

Key responsibilities

• Breakdown response & fault-finding: mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Planned maintenance (TPM/PM): execute schedules, lubrications, inspections, calibrations; drive root-cause and close-outs.
• Line changeovers & setups: format parts, nozzles, guides, torque settings, sensors; reduce changeover time.
• Repairs & fabrication: bearings, chains, belts, gearboxes, pumps/seals; basic TIG/MIG and light stainless and mild steel fabrication.
• Utilities & services: compressed air systems, heating systems and boilers
• Support facilities tasks (racking, doors, basic building fixes) and occasional after-hours/overtime.
• Install, repair, and maintain equipment and facilities across multiple sites.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues promptly.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Use hand and power tools effectively and safely.
• Minimize downtime by performing proactive and preventative maintenance.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, expenses, and parts usage.
• Ensure maximum equipment uptime to support production efficiency and quality.
• Report all faults, incidents, and irregularities to the Maintenance Manager/Production Manager.
• Participate in planning and executing scheduled maintenance activities.
• Assist with equipment installations and relocations on the factory floor.
• Advise on specifications for new equipment and modifications to existing systems.
• Uphold safety standards by ensuring all safety devices and procedures are operational and followed.
• Repair and maintain specific machinery such as soap racks, pallet jacks, flow wrappers, and soap pressers.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards within the maintenance workshop.
• Manage inventory of tools, parts, and supplies.
• Train operators on safe and efficient use of machinery and equipment.
• Operate within allocated budget constraints.
• Work overtime and assist with emergency breakdowns when necessary.
• Assist with lighting and general equipment management in designated factory areas.

Equipment you’ll work on (examples)

• Processing: mixers & high-shear homogenisers, ribbon/planetary mixers, transfer and positive-displacement/lobe/gear/diaphragm pumps.
• Filling/packing lines: piston/gear-pump fillers, cappers, labellers (wrap/front-back), shrink tunnels & sleeve applicators, inkjet/batch coders, checkweighers, conveyors.
• Automation & electrics: VFD/inverter drives, contactors/starters, photoelectric/proximity sensors, basic PLC/HMI fault-finding , (temperature/pressure/flow instrumentation.

Minimum requirements

• 3+ years’ maintenance experience in FMCG manufacturing (cosmetics / food / beverage / pharmaceuticals or similar).
• Solid skills in mechanical, electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics and basic welding/fabrication.
• Able to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings; use multimeters and basic alignment tools.
• Matric; N3/N4 (electrical/mechanical) preferred.
• Valid driver’s licence; physically fit; comfortable with manual work and working at height.

Advantageous

• Trade Test (Millwright/Electrician/Fitter).
• Experience with cosmetics/cream filling lines and hygienic stainless pipework.

Salary: R18 000 – R20 000 per month (CTC, DOE)