Underground Field Service Technician

SUMMARY:
An exciting opportunity is available for a technically skilled and hands-on Underground Field Service Technician to join a specialist field service team supporting lithium battery systems used in underground mining equipment, based in North West, Rustenburg.
As the mining industry continues its transition towards battery-electric equipment, the successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining the reliability, safety and performance of lithium battery systems operating in demanding underground mining environments.
The position is site-based at a client mine and requires someone who is comfortable working underground and according to the mine’s shift operations, production requirements, safety standards and site-specific procedures.
This role will suit a qualified Electrician, Auto Electrician, Electrical Technician, Electronics Technician or Mechatronics Technician with strong fault-finding abilities and an interest in developing specialist expertise in lithium battery and battery-electric mining technology.

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Servicing, fault-finding and repairing lithium battery systems installed on underground mining equipment.
• Diagnosing faults on associated electrical and electronic components and systems.
• Performing scheduled preventative maintenance, inspections and diagnostic testing.
• Responding to equipment breakdowns and assisting in restoring equipment to operation as quickly and safely as possible.
• Working closely with mine production, maintenance and engineering teams to minimise equipment downtime.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed maintenance, inspection, repair and service records.
• Safely handling, transporting and storing lithium batteries in accordance with company and mine-site procedures.
• Assisting with the commissioning and integration of lithium battery systems and associated equipment.
• Supporting software and firmware updates where required.
• Identifying recurring equipment or battery-system problems and contributing towards continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensuring that tools, equipment and components are maintained and used correctly.
• Travelling to customer mine sites as operationally required.
• Working independently in the field while maintaining effective communication with the Engineer and wider technical team.
• Complying with all mine inductions, operational procedures and site requirements.
• Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety at all times.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Relevant trade qualification or equivalent technical qualification in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics or Auto-Electrical Engineering.
• Qualified Electricians will be preferred.
• Strong electrical/electronic fault-finding and diagnostic ability.
• Practical, hands-on technical and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Own reliable transport.
• Willing and able to travel to customer mine sites.
• Willing and medically fit to work underground.
• Willing to work shifts according to the customer's mine roster and operational requirements.
• Able and willing to comply with all mine safety requirements, inductions and site procedures.
• Able to work independently in a field-service environment.
• Reliable, self-motivated and safety-conscious.

ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE
Preference will be given to candidates with exposure to one or more of the following:

• Underground mining operations.
• Mining equipment or mobile mining machinery.
• Lithium-ion battery systems.
• Battery-electric vehicles or equipment.
• Industrial battery systems.
• Electrical/electronic systems on mobile equipment.
• Auto-electrical systems.
• Field service, breakdown response and equipment maintenance.
• Diagnostics and fault-finding in demanding industrial or mining environments.

Previous lithium battery experience would be highly advantageous; however, candidates with a strong electrical background and suitable mining or industrial experience are encouraged to apply.

TECHNICAL & PERSONAL COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent fault-finding and diagnostic ability.
• Strong electrical and technical aptitude.
• A practical and hands-on approach to maintenance and repairs.
• Logical and methodical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and focused when responding to breakdowns.
• Strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with mine production and engineering personnel.
• Good record-keeping and attention to detail.
• Reliability, accountability and a strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and develop within emerging battery-electric mining technology.

LANGUAGE
Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
The ability to communicate in Afrikaans and/or an African language would be advantageous, particularly when working with operational teams on mine sites.

WHAT THE OPPORTUNITY OFFERS
This position provides an opportunity to develop specialist expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of modern mining technology.
The successful candidate can expect:

• Exposure to advanced lithium battery technology used in underground mining.
• Hands-on technical training and development.
• Opportunities to obtain further lithium battery technology training and certification.
• Experience working with battery-electric mining equipment in live underground operations.
• Career development opportunities as the battery-electric equipment fleet expands.
• Permanent employment with a specialist technical employer.
• Metal Industries Provident Fund with an 8.5% employer contribution.
• Funeral Fund.
• A technical environment focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are particularly interested in technically strong Electricians and Auto Electricians who have experience in mining, industrial electrical maintenance, mobile equipment or field service and who would like to develop their careers within lithium battery and battery-electric mining technology.
Candidates must be comfortable working underground, travelling to mine sites and working shifts aligned with customer operations

Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Site-based at Client Mine / Underground Operations
Start Date: As soon as possible
Working Hours: Shift work aligned with the mine’s operational roster
Remuneration: Approximately R120.00 per hour | 40 hours per week
Benefits: Metal Industries Provident Fund – 8.5% Company Contribution | Funeral Fund

 

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