Mechanical Engineer

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Department: Engineering & Maintenance
Reporting To: Engineering Manager

An established manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Mechanical Engineer to join its Engineering and Maintenance department in Cape Town.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and maintaining plant mechanical assets, ensuring operational reliability, minimising equipment downtime and improving overall plant efficiency.

This position requires a hands‑on engineering professional with strong experience in manufacturing maintenance, SAP ERP, preventive maintenance, asset management, project management and World Class Manufacturing (WCM) practices
.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to identify mechanical faults, implement maintenance improvements, manage contractors and support continuous improvement initiatives within a demanding manufacturing environment.

• Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the factory's mechanical maintenance function.
• Maintain high maintenance standards to minimise equipment downtime and operating costs.
• Develop and recommend maintenance schedules for mechanical equipment.
• Ensure preventive maintenance schedules are implemented and maintained.
• Conduct regular plant inspections to identify maintenance requirements and potential equipment failures.
• Perform mechanical fault‑finding and troubleshooting on plant machinery.
• Improve plant efficiency through the optimisation of existing equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve mechanical processes through equipment modifications or replacements.
• Implement corrective actions to minimise production disruptions.
• Notify plant management of conditions that may result in downtime and recommend appropriate remedial actions.
• Ensure mechanical assets are maintained in good working condition.

• Support the implementation and improvement of preventive maintenance systems.
• Apply asset management principles to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Support maintenance activities involving:
  • Equipment prioritisation.
  • Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
  • Lubrication systems.
  • Spare parts management.
  • Asset management.
  • Breakdown management systems.
  • Maintenance KPI monitoring.
• Generate and analyse maintenance reports using SAP Plant Maintenance (SAP PM).
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to reduce maintenance costs.
• Support the preservation and long‑term reliability of mechanical assets.

• Lead project teams to ensure World Class Manufacturing (WCM) projects are completed within agreed timelines.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve plant efficiency and equipment performance.
• Prepare capital expenditure (CAPEX) applications for engineering improvement projects.
• Support the planning, coordination and execution of mechanical engineering projects.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and WCM principles.
• Identify innovative engineering solutions to improve equipment reliability and productivity.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing environment.

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations.
• Promote a safety‑first culture within the Engineering and Maintenance department.
• Conduct task‑based and location‑based risk assessments.
• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance activities.
• Participate in safety audits and identify potential workplace hazards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable…