Are you looking for a permanent job in Durban and have Grade 12? Defy Appliances is inviting applications for a General Assistant (R&D) position within its Research & Development division.
This is an entry-level manufacturing opportunity for candidates who are interested in gaining or continuing their experience in a professional manufacturing and product development environment.
The successful candidate will support the Research & Development team with product testing, material movement, product preparation, documentation, audits and other operational activities.
Defy General Assistant Job Details
Company: Defy Appliances
Position: General Assistant (R&D)
Department: Research & Development
Industry: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Entry Level
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12
Posted: 7 August 2026
Closing Date: 17 August 2026
About the General Assistant Position
The General Assistant will provide operational support to the Research & Development department and work closely with engineers, specialists, stores and other operational teams.
The role involves a variety of practical and administrative responsibilities. Successful applicants may assist with product testing, transporting products and materials, preparing prototypes, conducting audits and recording testing results.
Because the position operates within an agile environment, daily responsibilities may change depending on departmental priorities and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate may be responsible for:
- Operating a forklift or Hyster, subject to appropriate training and certification
- Assisting with transport testing
- Capturing and recording transport-testing results
- Communicating testing results using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Working with the R&D and Stores departments
- Assisting with identifying and moving R&D products and materials
- Assisting with the scrapping of products, materials and components
- Supporting product benchmarking activities
- Preparing products for measurements and testing
- Assisting with prototype and non-critical product builds
- Supporting engineers and specialists during product-related activities
- Assisting with production-line audits
- Supporting Bill of Materials (BOM) audits
- Checking steel and plastic material consumption
- Assisting with line evaluations
- Providing driving and logistical support for approved departmental activities
- Assisting with product collections and testing
- Supporting the daily operational needs of R&D teams
- Supporting the Cooking Construction team
The employee may also serve as a First Aid representative or Health and Safety representative, depending on departmental and company requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 / Matric
- Relevant technical qualification is advantageous
- Forklift licence is advantageous
- Familiarity with Bill of Materials (BOM) is advantageous
- At least 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong computer skills
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Good communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong attention to detail
- Good organisational skills
Although the position is classified as entry level, applicants should take note that the vacancy specifically requests 3 or more years of manufacturing experience.
Skills That Can Help You Succeed
This role requires someone who is organised, practical and comfortable working with different teams. Attention to detail is particularly important because the position involves recording testing information, supporting audits and handling products and materials.
Computer literacy is also important, as employees will use programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint to capture and communicate information.
A forklift licence and technical qualification can strengthen an application, although these are listed as advantageous rather than mandatory requirements.
Why Consider This Defy Opportunity?
Working within a Research & Development environment can provide valuable exposure to manufacturing operations, product testing, quality processes, material handling and product development.
The permanent nature of the position also makes it relevant to candidates looking for longer-term employment within the manufacturing sector.
How to Apply
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