Junior Industrial Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 19,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Medical aid contributions

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, SA is seeking a Junior Industrial Engineer to support Continuous Improvement initiatives across operations. You will work with senior engineers and production staff to identify opportunities, implement small process changes, and contribute to a culture of ongoing development.

The role offers training and mentorship, with focus on Lean tools (5S, Kaizen), standard work, time studies, SOPs, and data-driven performance monitoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Foundational knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and CI methodologies.
• Basic understanding of process analysis, data collection, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in analyzing current production processes for efficiency gains.
• Support Lean tools like 5S, Kaizen events, and standard work.
• Conduct time studies and help develop SOPs.
• Gather and analyze production data to monitor metrics.
• Participate in team meetings and suggest improvements.
• Document processes and track project progress; prepare basic reports.
• Collaborate with staff to implement minor process changes.
• Maintain plant layout and workflow documentation.
• Support safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Learn and apply new CI methodologies under senior staff guidance.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing industrial enterprise located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Junior Industrial Engineer to join their team. This role is focused on supporting and driving Continuous Improvement initiatives across their operations. The successful candidate will work closely with senior engineers and production staff to identify areas for enhancement, implement process changes, and contribute to a culture of ongoing development. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to build a solid foundation in industrial engineering within the Queenstown industrial community.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in analyzing current production processes and identifying opportunities for efficiency gains and cost reductions.
• Support the implementation of Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, such as 5S, Kaizen events, and standard work.
• Conduct time studies and assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Gather and analyze production data to monitor performance metrics and identify trends.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for process improvement.
• Help to document processes, track project progress, and prepare basic reports.
• Collaborate with production staff and supervisors to implement minor process adjustments.
• Assist in maintaining plant layout and workflow documentation.
• Support safety initiatives and ensure adherence to workplace regulations.
• Learn and apply new industrial engineering methodologies under the guidance of senior staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
• Foundational knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Basic understanding of process analysis, data collection, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a willingness to learn and collaborate.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to tasks.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and available for an on-site position in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

We offer an attractive starting salary of R per annum for this Junior Industrial Engineer position, along with valuable on-the-job training and mentorship. Employees benefit from a standard package including medical aid contributions and a provident fund. This role provides a fantastic opportunity for professional development and career growth within the industrial sector in the Eastern Cape . Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering talent and driving operational excellence in Queenstown .