Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Automotive & Mechanics
- Closing Date: 2026-08-28
Key Responsibilities
- Fault diagnosis on heavy vehicles
- Maintenance and overhaul of engines and drivetrains
- Troubleshooting electrical looms, ECU and sensor faults
- Chassis and steel fabrication
Requirements
- Valid trade certificates/licences
- International permit or cross-border route experience
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to work as a heavy-vehicle workshop and fleet crew member in Malawi?
Most employers look for a Trade Test Certificate (Grade 1 or 2) in Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Diesel Mechanics, or Automotive Engineering from a TEVETA-accredited institution such as a technical college. A Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) is usually the minimum academic requirement. Additional certifications in fleet management or heavy commercial vehicle systems are an advantage.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Duties usually include servicing and repairing trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles, diagnosing mechanical faults, and carrying out routine inspections. Fleet crew members may also handle vehicle record-keeping, scheduling maintenance, coordinating drivers' reports, and ensuring roadworthiness compliance with Malawi's Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS).
What work culture and expectations should I be aware of in Malawi for this role?
Employers generally expect punctuality, discipline, and strict adherence to safety procedures, especially when working with heavy machinery. Teamwork is important since workshop staff often collaborate with drivers, supervisors, and stores personnel. Willingness to work overtime or standby shifts during breakdowns is commonly expected.
What career growth can I expect as a heavy-vehicle mechanic or fleet crew member?
You can progress from apprentice or assistant mechanic to senior mechanic, workshop supervisor, fleet manager, or transport operations manager over time. Gaining advanced trade tests, diplomas in automotive engineering, or fleet management qualifications speeds up promotion. Experience with specific vehicle brands also opens doors to dealerships and logistics companies.
What benefits do employers in Malawi typically offer for this role?
Common benefits include annual leave, sick leave, medical scheme contributions or access to company clinics, and pension contributions under the National Pension Scheme Act. Some employers provide protective clothing, tool allowances, and on-the-job training. Benefits vary by employer, so confirm details during the interview.
How do I apply, and what do employers in Malawi look for in candidates?
Apply through job adverts in newspapers like The Daily Times and The Nation, online platforms, or by submitting your CV directly to transport companies, garages, and NGOs with fleets. Employers look for valid trade test certificates, hands-on experience with diesel engines, a clean work history, and sometimes a driving licence. Be prepared for a practical trade test as part of the selection process.