Technician - Hydraulics (Ngodwana, South Africa)

Sappi
Sappi

South Africa

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for an Technician – Hydraulics to provide specialised engineering and maintenance support by carrying out the installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of complex hydraulic and lubrication systems and equipment. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the reliability and optimum performance of mill hydraulic and lubrication systems, contributing directly to improved plant availability, equipment reliability, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

As an Technician - Hydraulics you will be responsible for:

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY (SHEQ)

  • Ensure a safe working environment by identifying and managing risks while maintaining high housekeeping standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable SHEQ standards, statutory requirements, legal appointments, and company procedures through effective control measures and corrective actions.
  • Promote safe work practices and ensure hydraulic and lubrication systems comply with ISO and mill quality standards.

PLANT & MACHINE AVAILABILITY

  • Modify, install, commission, and optimise hydraulic and lubrication systems to improve plant reliability and support production requirements.
  • Configure and standardise hydraulic components to enhance equipment performance and engineering efficiency.
  • Conduct investigations into hydraulic and lubrication failures, implement corrective actions, and recommend maintenance improvements to prevent recurrence.
  • Manage oil sampling programmes for critical equipment and implement recommendations to improve equipment reliability and performance.
  • Ensure hydraulic schematics, technical drawings, and engineering documentation are accurately maintained and updated to support maintenance activities.
  • Submit and coordinate plant modification requests, ensuring all engineering changes are approved, documented, and filed in accordance with company standards.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & TECHNICAL SUPPORT

  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams to investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement sustainable engineering solutions.
  • Collaborate with production personnel, contractors, and equipment suppliers to support maintenance activities, projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Perform standby duties and effectively utilise SAP and other maintenance systems to support maintenance planning, execution, reporting, and asset reliability.

What are we looking for?

  • Grade 12 (Matric) with N3 Engineering.
  • Recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Mechanical Fitter or Millwright.
  • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in Hydraulics.
  • Roll service experience will be advantageous.
  • Valid driver's licence.

What’s in it for you?

  • Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
  • Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
  • Opportunities to travel .
  • Market leading leave benefits.
  • Employee wellbeing benefits.