Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Hybrid work model

Advanced manufacturing tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer for our client in Upington, SA. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to drive efficiency and product quality in automotive manufacturing.

You will analyze current production methods, lead lean initiatives, run experiments, and develop SOPs and control plans. This position demands strong data-driven decision making, excellent communication, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field).
• Minimum 5 years of process/manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong Lean and Six Sigma knowledge.
• Proficient in Minitab and process-mapping tools.
• Experience with line balancing, capacity planning, and workflow analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and data-driven decision making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement optimization strategies to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase throughput.
• Apply lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM) to streamline operations.
• Use statistics and data visualization to monitor performance and identify root causes.
• Design experiments to validate process improvements and new techniques.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and control plans.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to integrate changes.
• Train and mentor staff on new processes and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive project status reports and recommendations.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

Minitab

Process mapping

Data-driven decision making

Line balancing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer to enhance operational efficiency and product quality at their Upington, Northern Cape facility. This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute your expertise while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. You will be instrumental in analyzing current production methods, identifying areas for optimization, and implementing innovative solutions that drive significant improvements. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, statistical process control, and have a proven ability to lead change initiatives within a complex manufacturing environment. Join a team dedicated to excellence and innovation, shaping the future of automotive production.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, focusing on cost reduction, quality enhancement, and throughput increase.
• Apply lean manufacturing tools and methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline operations.
• Utilize statistical analysis and data visualization to monitor process performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Design and implement experiments to validate process improvements and new manufacturing techniques.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and control plans.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure successful integration of process changes.
• Train and mentor production staff on new processes and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on project status, findings, and recommended actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing engineering roles.
• Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Minitab) and process mapping tools.
• Experience with production line balancing, capacity planning, and workflow analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in the automotive industry is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Contribution to innovative projects within a leading industry player.
• Hybrid work model for enhanced work-life integration.