Machine Operator

Role Overview

This position sits at the heart of a busy production floor in Ruiru, where you take ownership of a set of machines from first start-up through to end-of-shift shutdown. Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you are the first line of defence against downtime, off-spec output and shop-floor accidents — and your attentiveness each shift is what keeps finished goods moving out of the plant on schedule.

The employer is an established industrial manufacturing facility in Kiambu County running continuous production lines, so reliability, precision and a disciplined approach to safety matter as much as technical skill.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare assigned machinery for each production run — completing changeovers, setting operating parameters and confirming everything matches the written work instructions before output begins.
• Work from equipment manuals, job cards and technical drawings when setting up, adjusting or reconfiguring machines.
• Stay with live runs and make ongoing adjustments to speed, feed and output controls so finished items remain within specification.
• Record output volumes, downtime and machine condition accurately each shift, giving the supervisor and maintenance team a clear picture of line performance.
• Carry out daily pre-use inspections, lubrication and light servicing tasks, and follow the plant's preventive maintenance timetable as directed.
• Diagnose and correct minor mechanical faults on the spot where it is safe to do so, and escalate larger mechanical or electrical problems to the maintenance team without delay.
• Sample and inspect items coming off the line at regular intervals, comparing them against quality benchmarks and flagging anything drifting out of tolerance.
• Apply all plant safety rules throughout the shift, keep required PPE in continuous use, and maintain a clean, orderly workstation to 5S standards.
• Support scheduled overhauls and shutdown work alongside fitters and technicians.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plant Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Vocational or technical certification from NYS (National Youth Service) or NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) is a strong advantage — holders of these certificates are actively encouraged to apply.
• At least 2–3 years of hands-on experience running factory machinery in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Solid working knowledge of industrial machinery and mechanical principles, including the ability to interpret manuals, work orders and technical diagrams.
• Practical troubleshooting ability and familiarity with preventive maintenance routines.
• Careful eye for product quality, firm commitment to safety standards, and clear, accurate technical documentation.
• Willingness to work on-site on a shift-based schedule.

What We Offer / Why Join

• Full-time, on-site position at an established manufacturing facility in Ruiru, Kiambu County, with shift-based working hours.
• Monthly remuneration of KSh 25,000 – KSh 35,000.
• A hands-on role covering machine operation, preventive maintenance and quality checking, with a direct reporting line to the Production Supervisor.
• Applicants living in or around Ruiru, Thika or Juja are particularly encouraged to apply.

Candidates with relevant manufacturing experience and technical training should submit an updated CV that clearly details the machinery they have operated and the production environments they have worked in.