Mechanical Engineer at Vitafoam Nigeria Plc

With its root name derived from "Vita"- the Latin word for "life", the company has since its inception, till date, worked at contributing to every aspect to its synonym from the cradle to old age. It has produced quality domestic and industrial products that add absolute value and comfort to life for work, school, leisure, health, maternity and child growth. Established in 1962 by two giants; British Vita and Unilever, and listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1978, Vitafoam has become Nigeria’s most prominent and leading producer of Polyether, foam products, furniture, upholstery products and adhesives. Its initial breakthrough however, was as a result of an appointment of G.B Ollivant Nigeria Limited as a sole distributor in 1962, and an installation of a continuous polyether foaming plant in its first factory at Ikeja in 1966Role Summary

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation, reliability, and maintenance of all mechanical equipment and production machinery within the manufacturing plant.
This role involves planning and executing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting unexpected mechanical failures, and optimizing machine performance to minimize downtime and support production targets.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Maintenance: Oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical systems, including industrial foam cutting machines, chemical mixers, conveyors, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
Preventative Strategies: Develop and implement routine preventive and predictive maintenance schedules to extend the lifespan of factory machinery and reduce sudden breakdowns.
Troubleshooting & Repairs: Respond swiftly to equipment faults on the factory floor, diagnosing root causes and executing precise, effective repairs to get production back online.
Process Optimization: Analyze machinery performance data to recommend modifications or upgrades that improve energy efficiency, production speed, and output quality.
Spare Parts Management: Monitor inventory levels for critical mechanical spare parts and coordinate with the procurement team to ensure essential components are always in stock.
Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to regulatory standards and internal safety protocols during all engineering interventions, ensuring all machinery operates within safe parameters.

Educational & Technical Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
3–5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical maintenance, preferably within an FMCG, chemical processing, or continuous manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical blueprints, schematics, and mechanical drawings.
Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and maintenance management systems.

Core Competencies & Soft Skills:

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly diagnose complex mechanical faults and implement durable solutions under pressure.
Workplace Safety: A rigorous, proactive attitude toward safety on the job, ensuring that all engineering activities eliminate hazards for the wider production team.
Attention to Detail: High precision in calibrating machinery, executing repairs, and documenting maintenance logs to ensure optimal factory output.
Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to collaborate seamlessly with machine operators, electrical supervisors, and plant managers.