Context:
Fives Services Mzansi (Pty) Ltd is the South African subsidiary of the global Fives Group, operating within the Aluminium Division. The company is strategically positioned to support the Southern African aluminium industry through a combination of engineering services, equipment maintenance, and localized manufacturing capabilities, enabling responsive and high-quality service delivery to regional clients.
The Mechanical Engineer forms part of the local Engineering team and contributes to the delivery of high-performance solutions across the equipment lifecycle, including design, installation, maintenance, and optimisation of systems used in primary aluminium production. This includes a particular focus on technologies applied within the carbon and electrolysis sectors.
As part of the broader Fives Aluminium Division—comprising leading entities such as Fives Solios and Fives ECL—the organization benefits from global expertise in the design, supply, and servicing of advanced process equipment. The division operates across multiple international locations.
Within this context, the Mechanical Engineer plays a pivotal role in ensuring alignment between local operations and global engineering standards, practices, and innovations. The position facilitates effective collaboration with international teams, particularly those based in France, and supports the integration of global technologies into locally delivered solutions.
This role is essential in strengthening the connection between Fives Services Mzansi and the global Fives network, ensuring the consistent delivery of world-class engineering solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the Southern African aluminium market.
Primary Purpose
The Mechanical Engineer is a key member of the Engineering team, providing technical support to both internal stakeholders and external clients. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality engineering outputs, including the development of detailed CAD drawings and 3D models, execution of mechanical design calculations, and provision of engineering support to production and project activities. The position ensures full compliance with applicable international and local standards. Additionally, the Mechanical Engineer acts as a critical interface between Fives Services Mzansi and the Fives group head office in France, supporting the effective management of engineering data and systems, including SAP.
Accountabilities
Engineering Systems & SAP Management
- Manage and maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) using SAP and other internal data sources.
- Create and update Fives item codes, ensuring compliance with internal standards.
- Extract and analyze technical data from SAP and other systems.
- Support other departments by providing clarifications with bills of materials when requested.
CAD Design & Drafting
- Operate AutoCAD software proficiently, including Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks (occasionally).
- Produce detailed 2D and 3D drawings from general arrangements, hand sketches, site inspections and specifications provided otherwise. New designs are required from time to time, and innovation is always encouraged.
- Apply efficient drafting methodologies and maintain drawing standards in line with ISO 9001.
Mechanical Design & Calculations
- Perform load calculations for mechanical assemblies.
- Prepare documentation packages for mechanical certification.
- Apply knowledge of mechanical tolerances and material specifications.
- Review and approve technical drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance before manufacturing.
Stakeholder Interfaces
- Collaborate with clients to understand technical requirements and provide engineering solutions.
- Conduct site visits to assess equipment and processes and provide recommendations.
- Liaise with the Fives head offices to align on engineering solutions.
- Coordinate with workshops and suppliers to ensure fabrication aligns with engineering specifications.
- Develop innovative solutions and services tailored to client needs.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)
- Adhere to all HSEQ Management System requirements.
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993).
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including NCR resolution and documentation standardization.
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Meeting deadlines.
- Reporting issues without delay.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies in BOMs and technical drawings.
- Address compatibility issues between international and South African materials and parts.
- Troubleshoot CAD and software-related issues.
- Select appropriate local equivalent materials for fabrication.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Key Relationships
- Internal: Spare Parts Manager, Operations Manager, Procurement, Workshop, Project Team, Product Experts.
- External: Clients, Suppliers, Fives ECL & Fives Solios Engineering Teams.
Internal / External Impacts
Internal: Contributes to engineering quality, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency by supporting design, production, and technical teams, while ensuring compliance with internal standards and accuracy of engineering data and systems.
External: Enhances customer satisfaction and company reputation by delivering compliant, high-performance solutions, while collaborating with clients, suppliers, and global teams to ensure alignment with technical requirements and industry standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Sc or B.Eng)
- 3–5 years of experience in mechanical drafting and design. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the machine building and heavy equipment fabrication and repairs industry.
- Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor)
