Manufacturing Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading manufacturer, seeks a Manufacturing Process Development Engineer for Bloemfontein, Free State. You will develop, optimize and scale processes to meet demand and stringent quality standards, with hands-on development, pilot testing and implementation of new techniques.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical or industrial engineering background and practical experience in process improvement, material science, and manufacturing technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical/Industrial or related engineering field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing process development or optimization.
• Experience with machining, casting, molding, and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new manufacturing processes for components, ensuring scalability, cost-effectiveness, and high quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests for new processes and equipment.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with R&D, design engineering, and production teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and control plans.
• Specify and evaluate new manufacturing equipment and technologies.
• Analyze process data to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure all developed processes comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Train production personnel on new or modified manufacturing processes.

Skills

Process development

Manufacturing optimization

Statistical analysis

CAD software

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process simulation tools

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial components, is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Manufacturing Process Development Engineer to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is crucial for developing, optimizing, and scaling up manufacturing processes to meet increasing demand and stringent quality standards. You will be responsible for hands-on development, pilot testing, and implementation of new or improved manufacturing techniques and equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical or industrial engineering, with practical experience in process improvement, material science, and manufacturing technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to product innovation and operational efficiency in a company committed to technological advancement and quality manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new manufacturing processes for components, ensuring scalability, cost-effectiveness, and high quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests for new processes and equipment.
• Optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with R&D, design engineering, and production teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and control plans.
• Specify and evaluate new manufacturing equipment and technologies.
• Analyze process data to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure all developed processes comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Train production personnel on new or modified manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing process development or optimization.
• Proven experience with various manufacturing techniques (e.g., machining, casting, molding, assembly).
• Strong understanding of material science, metallurgy, and component properties.
• Proficiency in process simulation and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with CAD software for process design and layout.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) is preferred.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Bloemfontein.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance incentives, generous paid time off, opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, and a stable, team-oriented work environment.
• This role offers a significant opportunity to directly influence the manufacturing capabilities and product quality of a growing company, with potential for career advancement.