Engineering Intern At Sucafina

Overview

Engineering Trainee – Factory Operations ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a motivated and ambitious individual who wants to build a long-term career in coffee processing and factory operations. The ideal candidate is curious, dependable, open-minded, and willing to learn from practical experience. We value people who take initiative, embrace new challenges, maintain high ethical standards, and are comfortable working in coffee-producing regions. Candidates should be prepared to work collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments and demonstrate the drive to develop into future leaders within the coffee industry. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT This position provides hands-on exposure to the coffee business within a supportive and people-focused working environment. The successful trainee will have opportunities to develop technical and operational expertise, work alongside experienced professionals, take part in challenging assignments, and gain experience in a multicultural setting. The company provides performance-based compensation, opportunities for professional development, and, of course, plenty of coffee. ROLE OVERVIEW The Engineering Trainee – Factory Operations role is structured as a practical development program for an individual with the potential to progress into a Factory Supervisor position. During the training period, the successful candidate will gain experience across coffee production, equipment maintenance, warehouse operations, quality management, health and safety, workforce coordination, and factory reporting. The trainee will initially work under supervision and focus on understanding the complete factory operation. As competence and confidence develop, the individual will gradually assume greater responsibility for production areas, technical activities, teams, and eventually independent factory supervision. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Production Operations Gain a comprehensive understanding of the coffee processing cycle, from pre-cleaning and grading through bulking and colour sorting. Support the daily planning and coordination of factory activities to help achieve established production targets. Learn how to interpret and apply Processing Instructions correctly and ensure the appropriate coffee lots are processed according to required specifications. Monitor equipment operation, production settings, processing conditions, and output levels. Identify delays, production constraints, process inefficiencies, and other operational concerns and communicate them promptly to the Factory Supervisor or Plant Manager. Gradually assume ownership of specific production areas and shifts as technical and supervisory capabilities improve. Engineering and Maintenance Build practical knowledge of the mechanical and electrical systems that support factory operations. Participate in planned preventive maintenance as well as corrective maintenance activities on production equipment and supporting utilities. Assist technical teams in diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults, performing adjustments, and carrying out routine repairs. Inspect machinery regularly and report warning signs such as excessive heat, abnormal vibration, leaks, or unusual sounds. Learn the correct operating conditions and machine settings for major processing equipment, including Bühler Sortex machines, graders, gravity tables, and related factory machinery. Support the upkeep of compressors, generators, electrical installations, weighing systems, and other utility equipment. Keep maintenance information up to date and contribute to investigations into repeated equipment failures. Refer major or complex technical problems to the appropriate technical personnel or management. Warehouse and Quality Support Understand how coffee moves from storage through the processing stages and into final bulking. Coordinate with the Warehouse Manager and Warehouse Clerks to facilitate accurate and timely movement of coffee. Verify lot identification throughout the process and take appropriate measures to prevent the mixing of different lots or grades. Develop working knowledge of coffee grading, colour sorting, gravity separation, and other processing requirements. Coordinate with the Quality team to ensure production activities follow approved Processing Instructions and established quality requirements. Help compare physical stock movements against production records and XBS information to support accurate reconciliation. Health, Safety and Environment Follow all company policies and procedures relating to health, safety, and environmental protection. Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is used and safe working practices are maintained throughout factory operations. Take part in workplace safety inspections, risk assessments, housekeeping activities, and maintenance carried out under safe conditions. Learn and correctly apply isolation procedures, including Lockout/Tagout requirements. Immediately report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, equipment damage, and other safety concerns. Develop the confidence and competence required to promote and enforce safety standards among factory employees. Team Supervision and Leadership Development Work closely with the Factory Supervisor to gain practical experience in workforce planning and daily labor allocation. Support the supervision of machine operators, casual employees, and factory floor clerks. Assist with monitoring attendance, productivity, conduct, and overall work performance. Participate in practical training and coaching of factory employees. Develop effective communication, team leadership, discipline, and conflict-management skills. Gradually assume responsibility for selected teams and production activities as performance and leadership capabilities develop. Reporting and Operational Improvement Maintain complete and accurate records covering production, maintenance, equipment performance, and other factory activities. Assist with preparing shift reports that capture production volumes, machinery performance, utilities, stock movements, breakdowns, and other operational matters. Review operational information to identify ways of improving productivity, equipment reliability, workplace safety, and workforce efficiency. Participate in engineering initiatives and projects aimed at improving factory performance. Support investigations into recurring production and equipment problems and assist with implementing appropriate corrective measures. QUALIFICATIONS Academic Background Applicants should hold a Diploma or Degree in one of the following areas: Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechatronics Industrial Engineering Food Science or Food Technology Another closely related technical discipline Professional Experience Between 1 and 3 years of practical experience maintaining machinery in a manufacturing, production, food-processing, or similar industrial environment. Hands-on experience diagnosing and resolving mechanical and/or electrical equipment problems. Previous exposure to production machinery and factory-based operations. Experience in coffee processing, agricultural processing, food production, or a related agro-processing environment will be an advantage. KEY ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate should demonstrate: Practical mechanical and/or electrical fault-finding skills. A hands-on approach to engineering and technical challenges. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability. Capacity to understand how machinery, production systems, and processes work together. Clear communication and good interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams and factory personnel. A strong sense of ownership, dependability, and accountability. Ability to remain effective in demanding production environments and work toward required targets. Careful attention to operational and technical details. A firm commitment to workplace safety and product quality. Enthusiasm for learning new skills and accepting greater responsibility over time. Potential to develop into an effective factory leader. Application CLICK HERE