Main purpose of the position
To organise, coordinate and supervise operations of the Mechanical Department Section in order to ensure that plant maintenance is carried out to acceptable standards for optimal plant availability and reliability in accordance with the safety and engineering standards.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Palapye
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-08-09
Key Responsibilities
- Contributes to the development of the strategic plan & delivers elements of a strategic planning system with guidance from management.
- Provides operational support services and sometimes acts as first-line supervisors of a transactional operations area while using existing systems and protocols.
- Supervises the implementation of approved changes in the mechanical design and operating procedures of plant and equipment to enhance plant efficiency and reliability.
- Monitors departmental stock and inform the Materials’ department on stock level adjustments in accordance with consumption or recommends the replacement of obsolete equipment.
- Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment and systems for emergency repairs, performs preventive maintenance inspections, assists specialists in setting up and testing new products/processes and installs complex systems with guidance.
- Provides technical assistance for repair on plant and equipment and directs necessary modifications.
- Prepares maintenance programs and procedures for approval and ensures implementation in accordance with set standards to optimise plant availability, reliability and performance.
- Monitors and supervises work of contractors and commissioning of major repair work, modifications and general outages to ensure compliance to specified standards.
- Identifies and evaluates complex expertise-led solutions against a range of criteria to find the ones that best meet business needs.
- Takes responsibility for implement a team’s performance management systems with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Works independently to collate and analyse data using pre-determined tools, methods and formats.
- Takes responsibility for delivering a prescribed budget for own area of the organization and/or conducts complex analyses on budget progress in other areas while working within established systems.
Requirements
- A relevant degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent.
- Membership of an Engineers Registration Board.
- Should have acquired a Competency Certificate within 6 months of appointment.
- Class B Drivers License.
- A minimum of five (5) years relevant post qualification experience in heavy industrial environment of which three (3) years should have been served at supervisory level preferably in mechanical maintenance environment.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in planning and managing resources to deliver predetermined objectives as specified by management.
- Knowledge and experience of the electricity industry in general, and power generation in particular will be an added advantage.
- Experience in a maintenance environment is required
How to Apply
Apply Here: careers.bpc.bw
About the Company
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is a state-owned company for electrical power generation, transmission and distribution in Botswana. It was established in 1970 and is currently the only electricity supplier in the country. BPC represents Botswana in the Southern African Power Pool. Morupule Power Station (coal-fired) in Palapye supplies 80% of domestically generated electricity, however the country is dependent on importing energy from its neighbours. Its capacity is estimated to be around 132 MW. The region's main power supplier, South Africa, is experiencing its own problems with under-capacity blackouts. A plan to boost Morupule station with four new 150 MW units is underway and gathering financial support from several sources.
Website: https://www.bpc.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualifications and certifications for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer role at Botswana Power Corporation?
Typically, a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering is required, often with professional registration from the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) of Botswana. Practical experience in a heavy industry or power generation environment is also highly valued for such a critical role.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer in a power generation facility like Morupule?
Daily tasks involve overseeing preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical plant equipment, troubleshooting breakdowns, and ensuring operational efficiency and safety standards. This often includes planning maintenance schedules, supervising technicians, and managing spare parts inventory for optimal plant performance.
What is the typical work culture and expectation for engineers in a parastatal like Botswana Power Corporation, especially in a remote location like Morupule?
The work culture often emphasizes safety, adherence to established procedures, and teamwork, particularly within critical infrastructure sectors. Engineers are expected to be proactive, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the operational environment.
What are the realistic career progression paths for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer within a large organization like Botswana Power Corporation?
Career progression often leads to senior engineering roles, Principal Engineer, or management positions such as Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager. Opportunities for specialization in areas like reliability engineering or project management may also arise based on performance and organizational needs.
What are the typical benefits packages offered to engineers at parastatal organizations in Botswana, such as leave, medical aid, and pension?
Benefits generally include competitive leave allowances, comprehensive medical aid schemes, and participation in a defined contribution pension fund. Other common benefits may include housing subsidies or relocation assistance, especially for positions in remote areas like Morupule.
What do employers in Botswana look for when hiring for an engineering role, and what is the best way to apply?
Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, relevant industry experience, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety and quality. Applications typically require a detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, and professional references that can attest to your capabilities.