Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Health coverage

Stock options

Executive coaching

Company car

Expense account

Top facilities access

Executive development

Discounts

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead strategic process development and innovation in Pretoria. You will guide automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 initiatives while mentoring a team of engineers.

The role blends on-site leadership with remote collaboration to optimize global manufacturing systems. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in manufacturing engineering, strong CAD/CAM proficiency, and deep quality system knowledge, with a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing engineering, with leadership experience.
• Experience with CNC, injection molding, assembly, fabrication.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Optimize lines to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and root causes.
• Design and supervise pilot runs for new processes and equipment.
• Develop process documentation, standards, and work instructions.
• Mentor and lead manufacturing engineering teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Data analysis

Hybrid collaboration

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in related field (preferred)

Tools

CAD/CAM

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 account.
• Priority access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• A highly influential role within a leading global organization.
• Exceptional work-life balance support.
• Exclusive corporate discounts and perks.