Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer for a Vereeniging, Gauteng position. The role focuses on optimizing production processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within the automotive supply chain.

The ideal candidate will apply lean methodologies, Six Sigma, and SPC to analyze, design, test, and validate processes, while ensuring safety and compliance. Excellent collaboration with production teams and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing process engineering, preferably automotive.
• Strong lean tools knowledge: 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping.
• Familiarity with SPC and root cause analysis; able to document processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Design, test, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Create and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with production teams, engineers, and quality control to ensure smooth process implementation.
• Monitor process performance and KPIs, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Support the introduction of new products into the manufacturing environment.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide training to production staff on new or improved manufacturing processes.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

Value stream mapping

Statistical process control (SPC)

Root cause analysis

Analytical skills

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive component manufacturer in Vereeniging , Gauteng, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer . This role is central to optimizing and streamlining production processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of manufacturing principles, lean methodologies, and automotive production systems. You will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions that drive operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of a major player in the automotive supply chain within the vibrant industrial landscape of Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Design, test, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Create and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with production teams, engineers, and quality control to ensure smooth process implementation.
• Monitor process performance and key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Support the introduction of new products into the manufacturing environment.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide training to production staff on new or improved manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing process engineering, preferably in the automotive sector.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing tools and techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
• Experience with process simulation and analysis software is a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and root cause analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in creating technical documentation and work instructions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) is advantageous.
• Ability to adapt to a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and pension fund benefits. Opportunities for professional development, including further training and certifications, are provided. You will join a team of skilled professionals and contribute to innovative manufacturing solutions. The Vereeniging location provides a stable employment base within a key industrial region. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee empowerment.