Development & Test Technician at UD Trucks

Job Overview

UD Trucks is known for our pioneering technologies and products within the commercial automotive industry.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the workshop activities which include managing/ maintaining workshop personnel and equipment, manufacturing of prototype components, modifying of development trucks and components and vehicle evaluation and preparation for e.g launch events, customer demo vehicle activities.

The development workshop's key function is to support both UD Technology as well as UD Product Management and Sales organization in the above-mentioned activities. This is a blue collar position located in the UD Assembly plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria and report to the head of Technology in South Africa. 

Responsibilities and Duties
Operational   

• To ensure pool/test vehicles is maintained(inline with OEM standards) and components/ workshop equipment is maintained in sound working order
• To prepare vehicles for homologation
• Prepare vehicles for tests and evaluations and conduct testing/evaluations as per works request
• Assist the technology engineer with vehicle/ component assessments and evaluations
• To ensure that all equipment is calibrated and updated to ensure accurate results for vehicle testing
• To create performance criteria for UDSA internal testing by comparing previous test results/market requirements
• To advise on the procedure (test methods) for internal testing
• To compile the summary of compliance per variant for submission to SABS
• To ensure that all UDSA test reports (SABS/Homologation/In-house reports) are saved in the appropriate shared drive, are categorized and are readily available
• Perform modifications/fitments in line with installation instructions/works requests
• To ensure that all legal requirements, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) are adhered to within the development workshop.
• To advise on equipment/tools/maintenance/upgrades required to ensure proficient and efficient workshop operation
• To continuously provide feedback and submit supportive documentation to the manager wrt departmental strategy and budget preparation

Client/Staff Focus   

• Customer focus:
• To provide a service to the technology, product management and sales departments
• Report, in writing, of non-conformances of vehicles, components and equipment to the manager technology department
• Report safety incidences and accidents accurately and promptly to the SHE representative and the manager
• To manage/ performance manage subordinates in the development workshop as well as promote skills development
• Provide clear instructions to the workshop assistant
• Issue the workshop assistant with the necessary protective clothing
• Provide necessary training on tools, equipment and procedures to the workshop assistant
• Carry out tasks requested through works requests
• To maintain and promote relationships with external stakeholders such as the SABS/NRCS/SAVTA/GEROTEK/UP

Minimum Qualifications and Experience 

• Mechanical Diploma (Essential)
• Experience in vehicle testing
• Experience in commercial vehicle service/modification/repairs
• Code 14 license and Professional Drivers Permit (PDP) (Essential)

Job Related Skills and  Knowledge:

• Technical and Mechanical Expertise
• Understanding of Relevant Legislation (e.g OHS, SABS etc)
• Knowledge of welding, lathes and drilling machines
• Use of equipment and software for vehicle testing and homologation e.g datalogger/transducers/Techtool
• Analytical / good logical thinking