Mechanical Engineer (Feed Mill)

The Mechanical Engineer (Feed Mill) will serve as the resident mechanical engineering authority at Biyinzika Poultry Uganda Limited (BPUL)’s Katega Feed Mill.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of mechanical equipment and systems within the feed mill.

The main objective of the role is to maximise equipment availability, minimise unplanned downtime, control maintenance costs, and ensure that all mechanical equipment meets the required safety and operating standards.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Maintaining raw material intake equipment, pre-cleaning plants, conveying systems, silos, bins, and hoppers to ensure smooth material flow and prevent disruptions to the milling programme.

• Maintaining magnet systems, destoners, drum sifters, and vibrating screens to protect downstream equipment from damage caused by tramp metal and stones.

• Managing the mechanical condition and performance of hammer mills.

• Monitoring hammer wear and rotation schedules.

• Ensuring proper maintenance and replacement of screens.

• Maintaining rotor balance, main shaft bearings, drive alignment, and door seal integrity.

• Managing hammer and screen replacements as planned maintenance activities.

• Recording the lifespan of wear parts to establish predictable replacement schedules.

• Monitoring the relationship between hammer and screen condition, particle size, production throughput, and energy consumption.

• Maintaining roller mills, where installed, including roll condition, corrugation, gap settings, and drive systems.

• Maintaining batching systems, mixers, and liquid addition systems.

• Ensuring mechanical accuracy and proper operation of mixing systems.

• Ensuring liquids are accurately applied without blockages or interruptions.

• Supporting periodic mixer uniformity testing in collaboration with the Quality Assurance team.

• Identifying and addressing mechanical issues that may affect product quality or mixer performance.

• Supporting initiatives aimed at improving equipment reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.

• Ensuring compliance with mechanical engineering, occupational safety, and operational standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with strong passes in:

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • English

• A Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with Physics and Mathematics, or an equivalent post-O-Level technical qualification from a UBTEB-accredited institution.

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in one of the following fields:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Agricultural Engineering

  • Industrial Engineering

The degree should be obtained from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Busitema University, or another recognised equivalent institution.

Alternative Qualification

A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, combined with substantial and demonstrable experience in feed mill operations, may also be considered as an alternative to a degree. Candidates applying under this category must demonstrate strong technical competence during the interview and practical assessment.

Required Technical Training and Competencies

Candidates should have knowledge or training in:

Combustible Dust Safety

• Identification of combustible dust hazards.

• Proper housekeeping standards.

• Control of ignition sources.

• Dust explosion prevention and protection systems.

Confined Space Safety

• Confined space entry procedures.

• Confined space rescue procedures.

Working at Height and Lifting Operations

• Working safely at height.

• Lifting and rigging procedures.

• Proper slinging techniques.

• Chain block operation.

• Inspection of lifting appliances.

Boiler and Steam System Safety

• Knowledge of boiler and steam system safety.

• Awareness of statutory requirements for pressure vessel inspection.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should be a technically competent mechanical engineering professional with strong experience in industrial machinery maintenance, mechanical systems, preventive maintenance, and equipment reliability.