Industrial Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer for our client, a leading automotive manufacturing plant in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on optimizing processes, improving productivity, and ensuring smooth material flow on assembly lines.

You will analyze production data, apply lean manufacturing, conduct time studies, develop SOPs, and collaborate with production and quality teams to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in industrial engineering within automotive/manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of lean, 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping.
• Experience with CAD for layout design is a plus.
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO/TS 16949) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement process improvements using lean methods and Six Sigma.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and plant layout designs.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production supervisors to address issues.
• Monitor production performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Assist in implementing new equipment and technologies on the floor.
• Prepare reports on production efficiency, cost savings, and project status.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the Welkom facility.
• Participate in cross-functional teams for new product introductions and process changes.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

5S

Kaizen

Value stream mapping

Data analysis

Communication & teamwork

ISO/TS 16949 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturing plant in **Welkom, Free State**, is looking for a dedicated and innovative Industrial Engineer to join their fast-paced production team. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, and ensuring the efficient flow of materials and components within the assembly lines. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing production data, implementing lean manufacturing techniques, and collaborating with production and quality teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer passionate about automotive production to contribute to a world-class manufacturing facility and develop their career in a demanding yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and plant layout designs to optimize production efficiency.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and team members to address production issues and implement solutions.
• Monitor production performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Assist in the implementation of new equipment and technologies on the production floor.
• Prepare reports on production efficiency, cost savings, and project status.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations in the **Free State** facility.
• Participate in cross-functional teams for new product introductions and process changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in industrial engineering, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing sector.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping.
• Familiarity with production planning and control systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Experience with CAD software for layout design is a plus.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment in **Welkom**.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) is advantageous.
• Must be detail-oriented and results-driven.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting skills and experience.
• Medical aid contributions and pension fund benefits.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and professional development.
• Exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing processes.
• A supportive team environment committed to quality and efficiency.
• Potential for growth into senior engineering roles within the **Welkom** plant.
• Secure employment with a stable industry leader.