Technical Department Specialist Level

Location: Roodepoort, Gauteng

Salary: R65,000 – R68,000 CTC per month

Employment Type: Full-time

1. Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Engine Specialist to provide technical expertise, engineering support and maintenance oversight across the company's plant, engines, vehicles and related equipment. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting commissioning, troubleshooting, failure analysis, maintenance planning, engine repairs and replacements, technical training, and the ongoing improvement of plant and fleet reliability.

The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, technical leadership, sound administrative skills and the ability to work closely with the Technical Manager, Field Support Coordinator, Training Manager, Planning Office, contractors and internal teams.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Plant Commissioning, Technical Support & Failure Analysis

• Ensure that plant equipment performs in accordance with contractual specifications at the commissioning stage.

• Provide technical support during the snagging of plant machinery, as requested by the Technical Manager.

• Provide technical assistance and technical input for planned maintenance projects.

• Conduct expert analytical investigations into plant and equipment problems.

• Analyse investigation results and recommend appropriate corrective actions to the Technical Manager.

• Identify and recommend modifications to plant machinery for approval by the Technical Manager.

• Conduct failure analysis on plant and equipment to establish root causes and prevent recurring failures.

• Discuss proposed solutions with the Technical Manager and implement approved corrective actions.

• Coordinate with subcontractors where required to support technical investigations, repairs and implementation of solutions.

2.2 Maintenance Guidelines, Training & Skills Development

• Review daily maintenance guidelines with the Field Support Coordinator.

• Recommend amendments to maintenance guidelines where necessary to improve effectiveness and reliability.

• Identify training needs and report these to the Training Manager.

• Attend skills development planning and progress meetings.

• Assist the Transformation Manager with the evaluation and development of training materials.

• Deliver formal classroom-based training.

• Provide practical, on-site technical training.

• Coach and mentor staff to improve technical competence, performance and adherence to maintenance standards.

2.3 Technical & Maintenance Planning Meetings

• Attend major component planning meetings.

• Attend major component maintenance meetings.

• Participate in maintenance management and parts meetings.

• Attend project meetings and provide technical input where required.

• Support the planning and coordination of technical activities, maintenance requirements and component-related projects.

2.4 Engine Repairs, Replacements & Field Support

• Coordinate engine replacements and repairs in the field.

• Supervise critical engine installations to ensure that work is completed safely, correctly and in accordance with technical requirements.

• Record and maintain accurate information relating to engine movements.

• Monitor and report safety hazards identified during field activities, installations and maintenance operations.

• Liaise with relevant teams to ensure effective coordination of engine repairs, replacements and associated field activities.

2.5 Component Numbering & Maintenance Records

• Manage and maintain the company's component numbering system.

• Ensure all engine component failures are accurately captured on the computerised maintenance management system.

• Maintain complete and accurate records of component failures, repairs, movements and relevant maintenance information.

• Ensure that maintenance-related information is updated timeously and remains accessible for reporting and analysis.

2.6 Technical Audits & Compliance

• Conduct technical audits using predetermined checklists in accordance with the schedule set by the Technical Manager.

• Identify and document findings during audit inspections.

• Escalate urgent findings to the Field Support Coordinator.

• Provide assistance with the corrective action and resolution of urgent audit findings.

• Formally submit completed audit findings to the Planning Office.

• Ensure that audit activities and records comply with company procedures and technical requirements.

2.7 Repair Quotations & Approval Processes

• Evaluate quotations received from First Auto for routine service and repair work in accordance with company procedures.

• Review and provide approval for routine service repair quotations within the applicable authority limits.

• Evaluate quotations for major ad hoc repairs and ensure that approvals are obtained in accordance with the company's signing authority procedure.

• Evaluate quotations for tyre repairs and replacements and ensure that approvals are processed in accordance with the applicable signing authority procedure.

• Review repair requirements and costs to support appropriate maintenance and expenditure decisions.

• Escalate quotations or expenditure decisions requiring higher-level authorisation.

2.8 Fleet, Vehicle & Equipment Monitoring

• Ensure that vehicle, caravan and trailer movement and date information is updated and accurately maintained in accordance with company policies and procedures.

• Monitor automatic alerts received from the vehicle tracking company.

• Ensure that vehicle alerts are investigated immediately and that appropriate action is taken.

• Monitor and analyse vehicle condition, maintenance requirements and repair costs.

• Review maintenance and repair expenditure in relation to vehicle mileage and utilisation.

• Identify vehicles requiring replacement based on condition, mileage, maintenance costs and operational requirements.

• Report vehicle replacement recommendations to the Technical Manager.

• Maintain accurate records relating to vehicle condition, maintenance history, repairs and movements.

3. Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.

• An appropriate National Diploma, Degree or Certificate with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a qualified artisan with a minimum of 15 years of relevant knowledge and experience.

• Relevant technical experience in engines, plant machinery, maintenance, repairs or a related engineering environment.

• Extensive computer literacy.

• Ability to speak, read and write English.

• Valid Code 8 (EB) driver's licence.

• Ability to develop and maintain Excel worksheets.

• Strong administrative, organisational and numerical skills.

4. Technical Skills & Competencies

• Plant commissioning and performance verification.

• Technical fault-finding and analytical problem-solving.

• Failure analysis and corrective action planning.

• Plant and engine maintenance support.

• Engine replacement and repair coordination.

• Supervision of critical installations.

• Maintenance planning and technical reporting.

• Technical audits and compliance monitoring.

• Computerised maintenance management systems.

• Component tracking and numbering systems.

• Fleet maintenance and vehicle condition analysis.

• Quotation evaluation and repair cost assessment.

• Microsoft Excel and general computer applications.

• Technical training, coaching and mentoring.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.