Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Stock options or equity participation

Company car or car allowance

Executive coaching and professional发展

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer for our client in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will lead strategic process development, optimization and innovation, driving manufacturing technologies to ensure top quality and efficiency across complex production systems.

You will mentor engineers, guide cross‑functional teams and champion Industry 4.0 initiatives while upholding ISO/IATF standards and safety protocols. Hybrid on-site and remote work is supported.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; PhD is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing engineering with leadership level experience.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and lean manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and simulation tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Optimize existing lines to improve throughput, reduce costs and enhance quality.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and root causes.
• Design and oversee pilot runs for new processes and equipment.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standards and work instructions.
• Collaborate with R&D, design engineering and production for manufacturability.
• Implement Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing concepts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to manufacturing engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, quality regulations and safety protocols.
• Drive initiatives related to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree

PhD (added advantage)

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing, is looking for an exceptional Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their esteemed team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This senior role is responsible for leading strategic initiatives in manufacturing process development, optimization, and innovation. You will spearhead the design and implementation of cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies and methodologies to ensure superior product quality and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing engineering, a deep understanding of complex production systems, and strong leadership capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of manufacturing excellence at a major corporation in Pretoria and to mentor a team of talented engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Optimize existing manufacturing lines to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis of manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and oversee pilot runs for new processes and equipment.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, standards, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with R&D, design engineering, and production teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Implement advanced manufacturing techniques such as automation, robotics, and advanced materials processing.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to manufacturing engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, quality regulations, and safety protocols.
• Drive initiatives related to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing concepts.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, with significant experience in a leadership or principal-level role.
• Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, assembly, fabrication).
• Proven experience with automation, robotics, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and simulation tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, contributing significantly both on‑site in Pretoria, Gauteng and remotely.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE).

Benefits

• Executive‑level compensation package, including significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous stock options or equity participation.
• Extensive professional development and executive coaching opportunities.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Executive expense