Unilever South Africa is offering a Mechanical Engineering Internship opportunity at its Boksburg manufacturing facility for the 2026 intake. This internship is designed for students and recent graduates who are seeking practical, hands-on experience in a real-world manufacturing and industrial operations environment. The programme forms part of Unilever’s commitment to developing future engineering professionals by providing structured workplace exposure aligned with academic learning.
The Mechanical Engineering Internship at Unilever Boksburg offers participants the opportunity to work within a high-performance manufacturing environment where safety, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation are core priorities. Interns are placed within engineering and operations teams and are exposed to modern production systems, maintenance strategies, and continuous improvement processes.
Internship Overview
The internship focuses on providing practical engineering exposure in a fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing environment. Interns will support qualified engineers and technicians in maintaining production equipment, improving plant reliability, and optimizing manufacturing processes. This opportunity is ideal for candidates who want to bridge the gap between theory and industry application.
Fields Offered
The Unilever internship primarily supports the following engineering-related fields:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering (mechanical-focused modules)
- Mechatronics (with mechanical emphasis)
- Engineering Technology (Mechanical)
Interns may rotate across different departments within the plant, including maintenance, production support, utilities, and engineering projects. Exposure to safety systems, quality standards, and environmental management practices is also included.
Key Responsibilities
Interns may be involved in the following activities:
- Assisting with preventive and corrective maintenance of machinery
- Supporting production line efficiency and equipment reliability
- Participating in root cause analysis of mechanical failures
- Assisting with engineering improvement and optimization projects
- Supporting compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards
- Working with engineering teams to document processes and procedures
The programme emphasizes learning, teamwork, and professional development rather than independent responsibility.
Requirements
To be considered for the Unilever Mechanical Engineering Internship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Currently studying towards or recently completed a qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
- Qualification must be from a recognized university or university of technology
- South African citizen or legally eligible to work in South Africa
- Strong academic background in mechanical engineering subjects
- Basic understanding of manufacturing systems and mechanical equipment
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Willingness to learn and work in a production-based environment
- Ability to work well in a team and follow safety procedures
Preference may be given to students or graduates who require workplace exposure to complete their qualification or who have limited prior industry experience.
Stipend and Benefits
Unilever offers a competitive monthly stipend to interns participating in the Mechanical Engineering Internship programme. The stipend is intended to cover basic living and transport costs during the internship period. While the exact stipend amount may vary, interns are compensated throughout the duration of the programme.
In addition to financial support, interns benefit from:
- Structured on-the-job training
- Professional mentorship from experienced engineers
- Exposure to world-class manufacturing practices
- Practical experience within a globally recognized company
- Enhanced employability and industry readiness
Location
The internship is based at Unilever’s Boksburg manufacturing facility in Gauteng. Interns must be able to commute to the site for the duration of the programme.
Closing Date
- Applications open: 5 January 2026
- Closing date: 13 February 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as late applications may not be considered.
Conclusion
The Unilever Mechanical Engineering Internship 2026 in Boksburg is an excellent opportunity for aspiring mechanical engineers to gain valuable manufacturing and operations experience within a leading multinational company. With structured training, professional mentorship, and exposure to advanced industrial systems, this internship provides a strong foundation for a future career in engineering and manufacturing.
Apply Here : http/unilever.org