Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Access to advanced manufacturing tech

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer for our Upington, Northern Cape facility. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to boost efficiency and product quality.

The ideal candidate has Lean/Six Sigma expertise, data-driven mindset, and several years in process/manufacturing engineering. This hybrid position supports ongoing improvement initiatives within a leading automotive manufacturing context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related.
• Minimum 5 years in process or manufacturing engineering roles.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Proficiency in Minitab and process-mapping tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization focusing on cost reduction, quality, and throughput.
• Apply lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM) to streamline operations.
• Use statistical analysis and data visualization to monitor process performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Design and run experiments to validate improvements and new manufacturing techniques.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and control plans.
• Collaborate with production, quality and engineering teams to integrate changes.
• Train and mentor staff on new processes and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive project status reports and recommendations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical software

Process mapping

Data-driven decisions

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Process mapping tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer to enhance operational efficiency and product quality at their Upington, Northern Cape facility. This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute your expertise while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. You will be instrumental in analyzing current production methods, identifying areas for optimization, and implementing innovative solutions that drive significant improvements. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, statistical process control, and have a proven ability to lead change initiatives within a complex manufacturing environment. Join a team dedicated to excellence and innovation, shaping the future of automotive production.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, focusing on cost reduction, quality enhancement, and throughput increase.
• Apply lean manufacturing tools and methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline operations.
• Utilize statistical analysis and data visualization to monitor process performance and identify root causes of deviations.
• Design and implement experiments to validate process improvements and new manufacturing techniques.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and control plans.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure successful integration of process changes.
• Train and mentor production staff on new processes and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on project status, findings, and recommended actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing engineering roles.
• Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Minitab) and process mapping tools.
• Experience with production line balancing, capacity planning, and workflow analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in the automotive industry is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Contribution to innovative projects within a leading industry player.
• Hybrid work model for enhanced work-life integration.