JAKE IHAKA
Summary
I am a qualified Mechanical Engineer, currently employed as a Drill Fitter with HYMECH Heavy Mobile Maintenance. My expertise lies in maintenance and diagnostics, supported by additional qualifications in Marine Engineering. I began my career in manufacturing across New Zealand and the UK before transitioning into marine engineering, where I served as Second Engineer aboard the FV Antarctic Discovery, a 52-meter longliner operating in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. That role developed my skills in heavy diesel fitting, equipment maintenance, and fault finding in high-pressure environments—skills I’ve carried into mining. Since moving into mining, I’ve gained OEM experience with Epiroc and continued building hands-on field skills. At HYMECH, I work on-site maintaining Wheeler D560 drill and blast rigs, handling everything from servicing and diagnostics to heavy component changeouts and breakdown repairs.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Drill Fitter
HYMECH
- Current
- Working on-site as a Drill Fitter maintaining Wheeler D560 blast hole drill rigs in a production environment.
- Performing full-scope servicing, diagnostics, and fault finding across electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, including CANBUS-controlled components.
- Carrying out heavy component changeouts during both planned maintenance and breakdowns.
- Responding to breakdowns efficiently to minimise downtime and maintain production targets.
- Applying technical knowledge gained from marine and OEM backgrounds to troubleshoot under pressure in remote conditions.
- Collaborating with mine site personnel to ensure safe and efficient maintenance practices are followed.
Drill Fitter
Epiroc Perth
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Involved in pre-delivery assembly and service exchange for Pit Viper 271s, 275s, and D65s.
- Focused on power-packs and towers, including the disassembly and rebuild of service rigs and pre-delivery modifications to meet Australian standards.
- Leveraged marine engineering skills to transition into the drilling industry and gained familiarity with Epiroc’s product range.
Shutdown Fitter
Link-Force Engineering, WA
01.2023
- Participated in various fixed plant shutdowns across multiple sites, primarily in ore processing facilities.
- Conducted component change-outs and performed maintenance on fixed plant equipment.
- Developed a strong understanding of safety protocols and their variations across different clients.
Second Engineer
FV Antarctic Discovery, Hobart
01.2021
- Responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting all onboard systems, including diesel generators, main propulsion, reduction gearboxes, hydraulic fishing gear, processing factory, refrigeration, electrical equipment, and accommodation facilities.
- Involved in dry-dock periods and port calls, managing fast turnarounds for maintenance and rebuilds with tight schedules.
- Emphasized safety and high standards of maintenance while operating in hazardous and isolated environments like Antarctica.
Night Shift Engineer
Metro Glass, Tauranga
01.2020
- Oversaw all engineering operations during night shifts at the Tauranga manufacturing facility.
- Managed PLC-controlled machinery, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, plant services including compressors, electrical and water systems.
- Planned maintenance, addressed breakdowns, and managed contractors on site. Maintained inventory and ordered parts and equipment.
- Worked independently under high pressure in a production environment and led several fabrication projects.
Fitter
ANZU Refractories, UK
01.2018
- Part of a small maintenance team responsible for daily upkeep of gas-powered blast furnaces and involved in shutdowns and rebuild projects across the UK.
- Operated in high-heat and hazardous environments, emphasizing health and safety protocols.
Apprentice Engineer/Fitter
Owens Illinois, Auckland
01.2013
- Completed a dual-trade apprenticeship, encompassing glass container manufacturing and fitter trade qualifications.
- Rotated through all maintenance departments and production operations, gaining experience with raw materials processing, heavy automated glass manufacturing machinery (IS Machines), factory processing, packaging equipment, and gas-fired blast furnaces.
Skills
- Fault finding and breakdown response across drills and heavy diesel equipment
- Scheduled servicing and preventative maintenance of heavy mobile plant and drill rigs
- Diesel engine diagnostics and repairs – experienced with CAT and Cummins systems
- Hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance, troubleshooting, and component changeouts
- Control system diagnostics and repair – hands-on experience with CAN bus, PLC, and marine/manufacturing automation systems
- Machine rebuilds, overhauls, and commissioning – from teardown to operational handover
- Proficient with machining and fabrication – lathe and mill operation, MIG, TIG, and MMA welding
- Strong mechanical aptitude with heavy component change-outs, alignments, and installations
- Safe, efficient, and production-focused approach to site maintenance and shutdown work
Certification
- Mechanical Engineering Trade Cert
- Marine Engineering MEC6
Tickets
- White card
- Working at heights
- Confined space entry
- Gast test atmospheres
- Basic fire
- Rio Tinto induction
- FMG induction
- BHP, NW and WAIO inductions
- Covalent Inductions
- EWP operator (NZ)
OTHER EXPERIENCES
- Deckhand/Nightwatchman aboard a crab fishing vessel in the North Sea.
- Deckhand aboard a Seal-Lord trawler in the Pacific Ocean.
- Bush-Fire crew work in New Zealand.
- Forestry work in New Zealand.
- Various hospitality roles in the UK and Europe
Timeline
Drill Fitter
Epiroc Perth
01.2024 - 11.2024
Shutdown Fitter
Link-Force Engineering, WA
01.2023
Second Engineer
FV Antarctic Discovery, Hobart
01.2021
Night Shift Engineer
Metro Glass, Tauranga
01.2020
Fitter
ANZU Refractories, UK
01.2018
Apprentice Engineer/Fitter
Owens Illinois, Auckland
01.2013
Drill Fitter
HYMECH
- Current
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