Continuous Improvement Engineer

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing and engineering firm in Cape Town is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to enhance operational efficiency and minimize downtime. The role involves analyzing production data, optimizing maintenance processes, and implementing impactful engineering solutions. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering, 5-7 years of relevant experience, and is proficient in both English and Afrikaans. This position offers a market-related salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years in a Continuous Improvement, Reliability, or Maintenance Engineering role.
• Solid understanding of production environments and engineering governance.
• Hands-on project management and commissioning experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-frequency breakdowns via production and maintenance data.
• Enhance CMMS and manual systems to improve uptime.
• Drive the development of reliable, maintainable machinery enhancements.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Process Improvement

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Education

Relevant Engineering Degree or Diploma

Tools

CMMS systems

CAD tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineer - Bellville, Cape Town - Salary - Market-related, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Are you passionate about driving operational excellence and reducing downtime? Our client, a leading manufacturing and engineering company based in Bellville, is seeking a highly analytical and solutions-driven Continuous Improvement Engineer to join their dynamic technical team.

Overview

This is a high-impact role where you will lead structured root cause analyses, optimize maintenance systems, and design machine and process improvements that enhance production efficiency. You will collaborate across departments, take ownership of critical engineering projects, and help shape the future of manufacturing excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Root Cause Elimination & Downtime Reduction: Identify high-frequency breakdowns via production and maintenance data. Lead structured root cause analyses (5-Why, FTA) and develop technical improvement proposals. Design machine / process modifications and oversee the execution of corrective action plans.
• Maintenance Process Optimization: Enhance CMMS and manual systems to improve uptime and support ERP integration. Standardize maintenance workflows and documentation (job cards, logs, schedules). Implement proactive maintenance strategies across departments.
• Machine Design & Engineering Solutions: Drive the development of reliable, maintainable machinery enhancements. Align improvement concepts with R&D, production, and drafting departments. Validate and commission technical changes, ensuring performance gains.
• Project Execution & Commissioning: Draft project proposals, scopes, and timelines with risk analysis. Manage budgets, execution, and successful commissioning of projects. Ensure project tracking via dashboards and visual systems.
• Reporting & Governance: Maintain corrective action dashboards and submit weekly updates. Engage senior stakeholders on progress, risks, and prioritization. Ensure all documentation and technical specs are current and compliant.

Requirements

• Relevant Engineering Degree or Diploma (Mechanical / Industrial preferred).
• 5 to 7 years in a Continuous Improvement, Reliability, or Maintenance Engineering role.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Proficiency with CMMS systems, CAD tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Hands-on project management and commissioning experience is a plus.
• Solid understanding of production environments and engineering governance.
• Proficiency in both English and Afrikaans is essential.

Ideal Candidate

You're a critical thinker with a passion for solving complex technical problems. You thrive on collaboration, take initiative, and enjoy seeing the measurable impact of your improvements on machine availability and performance.