Tupande Mechanical Maintenance Engineer / Specialist (Fixed-Term)

Seeking an exceptional Mechanical Engineer to execute high-level mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs across all Tupande Soko factories and reduce operational downtime for our processing operations.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on Mechanical Maintenance & Repair
• 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.
• Preventive Maintenance & Execution
• 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.
• Machinery Focus & Asset Care
• 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.
• Workforce Mentorship & TPM Support
• 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
• Safety, Food Safety, and Regulation
• 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

Champion a zero-harm safety culture on the shop floor; report hazards and quickly close out structural or machine risk issues

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You'll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You'll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the

general qualifications we look for

. For this role specifically, you will have:

Technical skills:

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

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)

Experience

• with avocado oil machinery repairs and maintenance
• with industrial dehydrators, macadamia processing, and industrial level biochar production

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Knowledge:
• Food safety management systems and HACCP
• Start Date
• As soon as possible
• Job Location
• Rukanga, Kenya

Benefits

Health insurance, paid time off

Contract Duration

2 years

Eligibility

This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya.

Application Deadline

20 November 2026. Please note that we hire on a rolling basis which means that applications are reviewed and processed on a continuous basis until a hire is made.

One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @

oneacrefund.org

address. Please report any suspicious communication here (

globalhotline@oneacrefund.org

),

but do not send applications or application materials to this email address.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our organization's mission and purpose. One Acre Fund aspires to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected – so that our team can thrive as professionals, and achieve exceptional impact for the farmers we serve.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Why Work Here

We’re one of the largest agricultural organizations in Africa, operating in ten countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers.

Guided by our mission, we use the discipline of a business to deliver cost-effective services to millions of people. We believe that heart plus rigor can change the world.

Read more.

Job Application Process

We use a unique, hands-on interview process to ensure a great match.

We're constantly seeking exceptional leaders from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from African professionals with deep local knowledge and investment in the communities we serve.

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Careers FAQ

Here’s your quick guide to some of the common questions we hear about our application process.

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