Maintenance Breakdown Technician (Storingstechnieker) — Volvo Cars, Ghent (Belgium) Full Time

Maintenance Breakdown Technician (Storingstechnieker) — Volvo Cars, Ghent (Belgium)

If you have a technical background, enjoy figuring out why things break and how to fix them fast, and you have been considering automotive jobs in Belgium, this Volvo Cars maintenance technician role at their Ghent manufacturing plant deserves your attention. Volvo Cars is one of the most recognisable automotive brands in the world, and their Ghent factory is where they build some of their best-known models — including the XC40, V60, and their new electric vehicles like the EC40, EX40, and EX30. They are currently looking for a Storingstechnieker (breakdown or troubleshooting technician) to join their maintenance team. This is a full-time, permanent, on-site role working with fully automated production lines.

Quick Job Overview

About Volvo Cars

Volvo Cars is a Swedish premium automotive manufacturer founded in 1927, known worldwide for its commitment to safety, quality, and environmental care. The company produces a range of passenger vehicles, and in recent years it has made a major push toward electrification — aiming to be a fully electric car company by the end of the decade. Their Ghent plant in Belgium is one of their largest manufacturing facilities in Europe, producing models like the XC40, V60, EC40, EX40, and the new EX30. The Ghent site has been operational since 1965 and employs thousands of people, making it one of the most significant employers in the region.

Working at Volvo Cars means being part of a company that genuinely invests in its people. They are known for strong employee benefits, a focus on well-being, and a culture built around collaboration and safety — not just on the road, but in the workplace too. For anyone exploring jobs in Belgium, Volvo Cars Ghent is one of the most established industrial employers in the country, and the kind of place where people build long careers.

What This Role Involves

The Storingstechnieker role is hands-on and technically demanding. You would be the person called when automated production lines go down. Your primary job is to analyse faults on fully automated production installations and resolve them as quickly as possible to minimise downtime. This is not a desk job — you will be on the factory floor, working with PLC-controlled machines, robotic systems, and industrial automation.

On a typical shift, you would diagnose and fix electrical and mechanical faults on production equipment. Beyond reactive troubleshooting, you would also carry out preventive and corrective maintenance tasks to keep things running smoothly. The role involves optimising automated production lines for better output, quality, and technical reliability. You would also identify, repair, or replace defective systems or components in line with regulations, machine specifications, and documentation.

Volvo Cars invests in training for this role — you would receive the necessary training and support, and then be expected to pass that knowledge on to your colleagues. You would also be involved when new installations, processes, or vehicle models are introduced at the plant. Teamwork is central to how the maintenance group operates, so you would be working closely with fellow technicians throughout your shift.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Volvo Cars has outlined what they are looking for. Here is a breakdown of the key requirements:

• A technical diploma and/or relevant hands-on experience in a similar maintenance or troubleshooting role
• Genuine interest in automation, PLC systems, robotic controls, and mechanics
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability — you need to think clearly when a production line stops and pressure is on
• Experience working with automated production lines and PLC-driven machines
• Willingness to take initiative and a desire to keep learning and expanding your technical knowledge
• Passion for keeping up with the latest technological developments in industrial automation
• Flexibility to work in a two-shift system or a fixed night shift
• A flexible mindset — production environments change, and adaptability matters

Salary, Benefits, and Relocation Support

Volvo Cars explicitly states that the starting rate for this role is from €24 per hour, plus a shift premium. On top of that, they offer a comprehensive benefits package that stands out in the Belgian manufacturing sector:

• Permanent contract — this is not a temporary or agency position
• E-car programme — as a Volvo employee, you can lease a Volvo car at a competitive rate, which is a genuinely popular perk when you are helping build the vehicles yourself
• Flex-Pay programme — you can exchange part of your end-of-year bonus for extra benefits like additional holiday days, a fuel card for your leased car, or advantageous pension savings
• Generous leave — 20 legal holiday days plus 10 additional days of reduced working hours (ADV days) and 3 compensation leave days. After 4 years of service, you earn an extra seniority day
• Collective insurance package — includes hospitalisation insurance, a pension plan, and private accident insurance, rated among the best in the Belgian market
• Family Bond — income guarantee up to 80% of gross base salary for certain care-related absences
• Company restaurant with healthy meals at very affordable prices
• Additional perks including moving van access, Sinterklaas gift, staff discounts, and milestone recognition at 10, 25, and 35 years of service

Relocation support is not explicitly mentioned by the employer for this role.

Work Permit / Visa Note

Volvo Cars has not explicitly stated that visa sponsorship or work permit support is available for this Storingstechnieker position. If you are not an EU or EEA national, you would need the right to work in Belgium independently. If you are considering relocating, our work culture abroad guide covers what to expect when working in the EU. Belgium does have a work permit system for non-EU workers, typically requiring a type B work permit sponsored by an employer. However, since Volvo Cars has not confirmed sponsorship for this specific role, you should verify this directly with their recruitment team before applying. The official application link is provided below so you can reach out through the proper channel.

Who This Role May Suit

This position is a good fit if you already have experience as a maintenance technician, breakdown technician, or troubleshooter in a manufacturing or industrial setting. If you have worked with PLC-controlled systems, robotic automation, or automotive production lines at Volvo, you will find the work familiar and the environment professional. People who thrive in this kind of role tend to be those who enjoy solving problems under pressure, prefer being physically active at work rather than sitting at a desk, and want the stability of a permanent contract with a major employer. The Ghent plant is also a multilingual environment, so if you speak Dutch, English, or both, you will settle in more easily — though the most important thing is your technical capability.

How to Apply Officially

You should apply only through the official Volvo Cars careers portal. Do not use third-party sites, recruitment agencies, or unofficial channels. The direct link to this job listing on Volvo Cars official careers page is:

Volvo Cars Careers — Storingstechnieker, Ghent (Job ID: 71653)

From there, you can create an account or log in to submit your application directly to Volvo Cars.

Required Documents

Volvo Cars has not published a specific list of required documents for this role. When applying through their official careers portal, you should typically have ready:

• Your CV or resume
• Relevant technical diplomas or certifications
• Any evidence of prior experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, or industrial automation

The careers portal may request additional documents during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Storingstechnieker do at Volvo Cars Ghent?

A Storingstechnieker — sometimes called a breakdown technician or troubleshooting technician — analyses and fixes faults on automated production lines at the Volvo Cars Ghent manufacturing plant. The role involves both reactive troubleshooting when machines fail and preventive maintenance to keep production running reliably.

Is this a permanent or temporary position?

This is a permanent, full-time position. Volvo Cars explicitly states that the role comes with a permanent contract (vast contract).

What is the salary for this role?

The employer lists the starting rate as from €24 per hour, plus a shift premium. The exact amount depends on your experience and the specific shift pattern you work.

Does Volvo Cars provide visa sponsorship for this role?

Volvo Cars has not explicitly confirmed visa sponsorship for this position. If you require a work permit for Belgium, you should verify this directly with the Volvo Cars recruitment team through their official careers portal before applying.

What shift pattern does this role involve?

The role requires working in a two-shift system or a fixed night shift. Shift flexibility is stated as a requirement in the job listing.

Disclaimer

JobsRivo is an independent job listing portal and is not the employer. Applicants should apply only through the official employer website. JobsRivo does not charge fees, process visas, or guarantee job offers.