Principal Mechanical Engineer: Process Equipment Relocation

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Process Engineer for a Rustenburg facility. You will optimize existing processes, implement new production methods, and lead efficiency initiatives across manufacturing lines.

Collaboration with R&D, QA, and production teams will drive cost reductions and quality improvements. The role focuses on implementing automation, SPC, and process validation, while ensuring safety and environmental compliance in a high‑quality manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for industrial goods.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing technologies such as CNC machining, injection molding, casting, or assembly automation.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Develop, implement, and validate new manufacturing processes and technologies, including automation and robotics.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process capability studies and statistical process control (SPC) analysis.
• Evaluate and select appropriate manufacturing equipment and tooling.
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards within the manufacturing environment.
• Monitor KPIs for manufacturing processes and report on performance.

Skills

Process optimization

Manufacturing engineering

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Process simulation software

Automation systems

Job description

About the RoleOur client, a highly reputable manufacturing firm renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Advanced Manufacturing Process Engineer for their facility in Rustenburg. This role is critical for optimizing current manufacturing processes and developing new, efficient production methods. You will be at the forefront of implementing state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing technologies, ensuring efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and adherence to the highest quality standards. This position demands a proactive individual with a deep understanding of manufacturing principles and a passion for driving operational excellence. You will work closely with production teams, R&D, and quality assurance to implement improvements and troubleshoot any process‑related challenges, directly impacting the company's output and competitiveness.Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Develop, implement, and validate new manufacturing processes and technologies, including automation and robotics.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process capability studies and statistical process control (SPC) analysis.
• Evaluate and select appropriate manufacturing equipment and tooling.
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards within the manufacturing environment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes and report on performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for industrial goods.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing technologies such as CNC machining, injection molding, casting, or assembly automation.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑