Lead Production Systems Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Production Systems Engineer in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to drive design, implementation and optimization of advanced production systems across multiple lines. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, oversee automation projects, and ensure safety and reliability on-site.

The role requires a Master’s in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, 7+ years in industrial engineering with 3+ in leadership, and strong CAD/MES/PLC experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in production system design, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of automation technologies, PLCs, and MES.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CAD software for layout design and simulation tools for process analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of new production systems and continuous improvement of existing ones.
• Develop and maintain detailed process flows, layouts, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct capacity planning, bottleneck analysis, and optimization studies to maximize throughput.
• Oversee automation and technology solutions within the production environment.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, and maintenance to ensure integration and reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering innovation and learning.
• Manage vendor relationships for procurement and implementation.
• Ensure production systems comply with safety regulations and company standards.
• Develop KPIs to monitor performance and guide improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

MES

PLCs

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively recruiting for a Lead Production Systems Engineer to spearhead critical initiatives at their expansive facility in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This senior role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced production systems that drive efficiency and quality in our manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for optimizing the flow of materials, equipment utilization, and workforce productivity across multiple production lines. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in industrial engineering principles, coupled with strong leadership capabilities to guide a team of engineers and technicians. This is a permanent, on-site position, offering a significant opportunity for professional growth and impact within a well-established industrial player in **Vereeniging**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of new production systems and the continuous improvement of existing ones.
• Develop and maintain detailed process flows, layouts, and equipment specifications for manufacturing operations.
• Conduct capacity planning, bottleneck analysis, and resource optimization studies to maximize throughput.
• Oversee the implementation of automation and technology solutions within the production environment.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to ensure seamless integration and operational reliability.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Manage vendor relationships for equipment procurement and implementation.
• Ensure all production systems comply with safety regulations and company standards.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track production system performance and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in production system design, lean manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of automation technologies, PLCs, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CAD software for layout design and simulation tools for process analysis.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• This role is based in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**, and requires full‑time, on‑site presence.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, including an excellent base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees are offered a comprehensive health insurance plan, a robust retirement fund, generous annual leave, and significant opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Working in **Vereeniging, ZA**, offers a chance to be part of a vital industrial hub.