Maintenance Engineer

Job Title: Maintenance Engineer – Cosmetics & Soap Manufacturing

Location: Kenya (Relocation required)

Industry: Manufacturing / FMCG / Personal Care

Career Level: Mid-Career / Senior

Years of Experience: 3–7 years

Salary: Competitive package (to be discussed)

About the Opportunity

A leading cosmetics and soap manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Engineer to join a new production facility in Kenya during its startup and commissioning phase.

This role is ideal for a practical, field-oriented engineer with real industrial experience in filling, packaging, mixing, and processing equipment, who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and is ready to contribute to building a world-class operation from the ground up.

We welcome applications from experienced candidates currently based in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, and other countries who are willing to relocate to Kenya for this exciting technical role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Maintenance

• Execute preventive maintenance programs according to approved schedules and plans.
• Perform corrective maintenance for emergency breakdowns with fast response and effective solutions.
• Analyze recurring failures and implement root-cause solutions to prevent repetition and improve equipment reliability.

Production Support

• Ensure all production lines are fully ready before daily shift start-up.
• Monitor equipment performance during operation and intervene quickly when needed to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate continuously with production and operations teams to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.

Installation & Commissioning

• Participate in installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and production lines.
• Calibrate and adjust machines according to production and quality requirements.
• Support the plant's startup phase and contribute to bringing lines to stable operational readiness.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare technical reports on equipment condition, breakdowns, maintenance activities, and spare parts usage.
• Participate in performance improvement plans to reduce spare parts consumption and increase maintenance efficiency.
• Provide clear technical recommendations to improve equipment performance and reduce operational costs related to failures and downtime.

Required Equipment & Technical Experience

You must have hands-on experience with most of the following equipment:

Filling Lines

• Liquid filling machines (water, shampoo, liquid soap, sanitizers)
• Cream and gel filling systems
• Automatic and semi-automatic filling lines

Packaging & End-of-Line

• Cartoning machines
• Labeling systems
• Shrink wrapping machines
• Conveyors and end-of-line packaging systems

Mixing & Processing

• Industrial mixers
• Homogenizers
• Cosmetic production tanks and vessels

Plastic Manufacturing (Advantage)

• Injection molding machines
• Blow molding machines
• Plastic packaging production lines

Utilities & Support Systems

• Air compressors and compressed air systems
• Conveyor systems and automation lines
• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems

Technical Skills Required

• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems in industrial environments.
• Excellent diagnostic skills for complex industrial breakdowns and ability to make fast, effective technical decisions.
• Hands-on experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings professionally.
• Good knowledge of PLC-based control systems is a strong advantage.
• Experience in continuous or semi-continuous production environments (FMCG, cosmetics, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals).

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent. Required

Experience:

• Minimum 3–7 years of proven experience in industrial maintenance. Required
• Experience in cosmetics, personal care, FMCG, food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Experience in new plant environments or startup/commissioning phases is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance systems, work order management, and CMMS is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Hands-on, field-oriented engineer who works directly with equipment, not just from the office.
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset with ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to critical production situations.
• Good communication and teamwork skills with production, engineering, and management teams.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to build deep technical knowledge of equipment to support stable operations and plant growth.
• Willingness to relocate and work full-time on-site in Kenya.

Language:

• Fluent in English (spoken and written). Required
• Arabic is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work in a new manufacturing facility and gain valuable startup/commissioning experience.
• Professional growth in a dynamic and growing market.
• Supportive work environment in a growing cosmetics manufacturing operation.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV in English highlighting your relevant industrial maintenance experience, especially with filling, packaging, mixing, and processing equipment in FMCG, cosmetics, or similar manufacturing environments.

Confirm your willingness to relocate and work on-site full-time in Kenya.

Applications from candidates in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, and East Africa are strongly encouraged.