Tupande Mechanical Maintenance Engineer / Specialist

About

One Acre Fund is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to execute mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs across Tupande Soko factories, reducing operational downtime. The fixed-term role is based in Rukanga, Kenya, and requires engineering qualifications, Kenyan professional registration or membership, and industrial plant maintenance expertise. Terms of service: Fixed-Term. Contract Duration: 2 years. Duty station: Rukanga, Kenya.

How to apply

Apply online through the official advert page on One Acre Fund Careers using the “Apply now” button.

Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on mechanical repairs on critical processing machinery to ensure operational continuity across all factory locations.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical equipment failures directly, providing on-the-spot technical interventions when standard maintenance staff or vendors are unavailable.
• Perform routine and deep-dive mechanical overhauls, component replacements, and structural alignments on heavy plant machinery.
• Physically execute mechanical preventative maintenance schedules and job plans assigned via the CMMS.
• Inspect, adjust, and overhaul mechanical assemblies (such as gearboxes, pumps, hydraulic rams, pneumatic lines, conveyors, and bearings).
• Track and provide direct data to the Lead Engineer on mechanical asset conditions, failure modes, and component wear rates.
• Act as the core mechanical technical intervention specialist for Soko factory machinery repairs and maintenance.
• Ensure all Soko machinery is in a good performance state.
• Conduct technical repairs on industrial dehydrators, macadamia processing systems, and industrial-level biochar production equipment.
• Verify and list precise mechanical specifications for machines, spare parts, and consumables requested by factory teams.
• Mentor and model best-practice mechanical repair techniques during direct interaction with factory staff to elevate technical standards.
• Assist in delivering TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) maintenance training for machine operators specifically regarding mechanical checks, cleaning, and precision lubrication.
• Coach operators on identifying early mechanical warning signs like abnormal vibrations, heat, or noise.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safe systems of work: permit to work, LOTO, confined space, and relevant Kenyan regulatory requirements (KEBS, DOSH, NEMA).
• Maintain HACCP-required equipment records for food-contact assets; lead the maintenance function's contribution to food safety audits.

Qualifications

• Degree or Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or appropriate engineering field.
• Active registration/membership as an engineer or technical practitioner in Kenya.
• Preventive/predictive maintenance programme design and implementation.
• Experience with avocado oil machinery repairs and maintenance preferred.
• Experience with industrial dehydrators, macadamia processing, and industrial level biochar production preferred.
• Ability to utilize CMMS software (SAP PM, Maximo, Limble, etc.) to close work orders and log technical data.
• Deep mechanical fault-finding and root cause analysis on industrial plant equipment.
• Proficiency in mechanical drawings, pneumatics, hydraulics, and welding/fabrication techniques.
• Food safety management systems and HACCP requirements as applied to plant maintenance.
• Kenyan occupational health and safety legislation (OSHA, DOSH requirements).
• TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) or World Class Manufacturing principles.
• Kenyan regulatory environment for food manufacturing (KEBS, relevant standards).