Industrial Engineer - Plant Layout & Material Flow

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Training and development

Generous leave

Team events

Modern offices

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer in East London, Eastern Cape, to optimize plant layout and material flow. You will design facilities and streamline material movement using CAD and simulation tools, applying lean principles to boost throughput and reduce travel distances.

This hybrid role collaborates with operations, engineering, and logistics to implement optimized layouts and handling systems, leveraging strong spatial reasoning and manufacturing process knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial engineering with plant layout and material flow focus.
• Proficiency in CAD for facility design and layout planning.
• Experience with simulation tools for material flow analysis.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge applied to facility design.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with safety and ergonomic practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize facility layouts and workstation configurations using CAD and simulation tools.
• Develop material flow strategies and storage solutions.
• Analyze current handling processes and identify efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and logistics to align layouts with goals.
• Conduct simulation studies to assess layout changes and flow improvements.
• Create process flow diagrams, equipment specs, and documentation.
• Ensure safety and ergonomic compliance in facility design.
• Support selection and implementation of new handling equipment.
• Identify waste reduction opportunities related to material handling.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Spatial reasoning

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Arena

FlexSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key contributor to the automotive supply chain located in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking an Industrial Engineer to specialize in plant layout and material flow optimization. This role is crucial for designing and improving the physical arrangement of facilities and the efficient movement of materials and products within them. The successful candidate will utilize simulation tools, CAD software, and lean principles to enhance workflow, minimize travel distances, and improve overall operational efficiency. This hybrid position offers a blend of on-site analysis and strategic planning, allowing you to directly impact the manufacturing environment in East London. You will work closely with operations, engineering, and logistics teams to develop and implement optimized layouts and material handling systems. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a company that values operational excellence and efficiency within the automotive industry. The role requires a keen eye for detail, strong spatial reasoning, and a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize facility layouts, production lines, and workstation configurations using CAD and simulation software.
• Develop and implement efficient material flow strategies, including material handling systems and inventory storage solutions.
• Analyze current material handling processes and identify opportunities for improvement in speed, cost, and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure new layouts and material flow systems align with operational needs and production goals.
• Conduct simulation studies to evaluate the impact of proposed layout changes and material flow strategies.
• Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and facility documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and ergonomic best practices in facility design.
• Support the selection and implementation of new material handling equipment.
• Identify and implement waste reduction opportunities related to material handling and facility utilization.
• Present layout proposals and material flow recommendations to management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a specialization in plant layout, material flow, and logistics.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) for facility design and layout planning.
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim) for analyzing material flow and operations.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application to facility and material flow design.
• Knowledge of various material handling systems (e.g., conveyors, AGVs, forklifts).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with industrial safety standards and ergonomic principles.
• Ability to manage multiple design projects and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Paid training and opportunities for professional development.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Opportunities for career growth and specialization.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities.
• Modern office facilities and resources.