INDUSTRIAL TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION (ANAESTHETICS / RESPIRATORY UNIT)

This position is for an Industrial Technician specialising in production within the Anaesthetics and Respiratory Unit at Tygerberg Hospital, based in Parow Valley. The successful candidate will join the Clinical Engineering Department, where the core focus is ensuring the safety, functionality and reliability of life-supporting medical equipment. This is an OSD-graded post, offering a stable career within the provincial health sector, and the work directly supports patient care by keeping anaesthetic machines, ventilators, suction units and related devices in excellent working order. The role is hands-on and technically demanding, requiring both practical skill and a genuine interest in medical technology. It is ideal for someone who enjoys fault-finding, repair work and preventive maintenance in a hospital environment, and who is comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in the T-, N- or S-stream, or a B-tech degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electronic, Electrical or Clinical Engineering. In addition, they need appropriate practical experience in repairing and maintaining equipment, either in a Clinical Engineering setting or another engineering environment, along with a willingness to undergo ongoing in-house training. The role has specific inherent requirements: the ability to operate mechanical machinery such as a lathe or milling machine, and to perform minor electronic or electrical repairs using test equipment like a multi-meter. A valid Code B driver’s licence is essential, as is the willingness to work overtime, perform stand-by duties, and respond to callouts. Candidates must also be physically capable of handling challenging work and be ready to assist technicians in other workshops within Clinical Engineering when operational needs arise.

The main duties include carrying out maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs and installations of medical equipment, which may occasionally be required after hours or over weekends. The technician will also be responsible for liaising with clients and colleagues about work progress, prioritising tasks, and ensuring continuity of service by supporting other sections within the department as directed by management. The role involves writing reports, assisting with drafting specifications, and keeping accurate records of equipment and activities, including acceptance testing, marking and tracking. Full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act is mandatory, and the candidate must adhere to all legal requirements, protocols and procedures. Strong computer literacy in Word and Excel is required, as is proven competence in fault-finding and repair of anaesthetic machines, ventilators, suction units, blenders and other equipment maintained by the Anaesthetic workshop. Good written and verbal communication, the ability to manage and plan maintenance schedules, and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 are also important. A basic understanding of anaesthetic and respiratory life-support equipment and a clear grasp of what Clinical Engineering entails are expected.

Notably, shortlisted candidates will undergo a competency test on the day of the interview, and no payment of any kind is required when applying. This post offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public healthcare while developing specialised skills in a vital clinical engineering discipline.