Maintenance Engineer

A Maintenance Engineer keeps production equipment running safely and reliably at the right cost. They set the preventive and predictive maintenance strategy, lead artisans and contractors, and balance uptime targets against the maintenance budget.

What the role involves

• Planned, preventive and condition-based maintenance programmes
• Breakdown analysis, root-cause investigations and reliability improvement
• Managing artisans (fitters, electricians, millwrights) and contractors
• Maintenance budget, spares strategy and critical-spares holding
• Running a CMMS (such as SAP PM, Pragma On Key or Maximo)
• Statutory compliance, including GMR 2(1) appointments where required

What makes a strong candidate

We look for an engineering degree or diploma, hands-on plant experience, reliability-centred maintenance knowledge, and the ability to lead a team of artisans. GCC (Factories) or GMR 2(1) eligibility, and Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech registration, are advantages for senior roles.

Red flags we screen for

• Purely reactive “firefighting” experience with no planned-maintenance ownership
• No people-management experience at a level that needs it
• Unable to give uptime or cost results

How PMG recruits Maintenance Engineers

We confirm the equipment type, shift pattern, team size and statutory appointment needed, then combine our Talent Vault with direct search in comparable plants. Candidates are screened on technical depth, leadership, salary and notice period, and submitted only with written consent.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Maintenance Engineer need a GCC?

Not always. A GCC (Factories) is usually required only when the role carries the GMR 2(1) legal appointment for the site.

Maintenance Engineer or Maintenance Manager?

Titles vary. Generally a Maintenance Engineer focuses on strategy and reliability, while a Maintenance Manager also runs the full team and budget.

See live vacancies · Engineering Recruitment

Read more about how PMG recruits for this role on our Maintenance Manager Recruitment South Africa page.

Salary ranges and role descriptions on this page are indicative and for general guidance only. They vary by employer, location and experience and are not a guarantee of any offer.