Production Engineer Graduate

Profile Personnel; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 223,200 - 334,800; Full time

Job summary

Profile Personnel is seeking a Production Engineer to enhance manufacturing excellence in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The role involves analyzing and improving production processes, using data analysis tools, and participating in Industry 4.0 initiatives. Ideal for a graduate or early-career engineer eager to advance in smart manufacturing.

Candidates should have a degree in engineering and strong analytical skills. The position promises exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing technologies and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Internship or practical manufacturing exposure advantageous.
• Exposure to automotive manufacturing highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Analyse production processes to identify inefficiencies and waste.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Collect and analyse production data to drive improvements.
• Develop reports and dashboards using data analysis tools.
• Monitor key manufacturing KPIs to drive performance.
• Support the implementation of digital manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Experience with Power BI

Basic knowledge of Python and/or SQL

Understanding of Lean Manufacturing

Knowledge of ERP/MES systems

Interest in automation and Industrial IoT

Basic PLC knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SAP

Job description

Our client, a leading automotive component manufacturer, is seeking a highly analytical and driven Production Engineer to support manufacturing excellence through process optimisation, data analysis, continuous improvement, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career engineer looking to build a career in smart manufacturing, automation, Industrial IoT (IIoT), and production engineering within a world-class automotive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, and root-cause analysis initiatives.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret production data to drive operational performance improvements.
• Develop and maintain reports and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, and other analytical tools.
• Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including OEE, downtime, scrap rates, cycle times, and efficiency.
• Support the implementation of Industrial IoT (IIoT), automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Assist with production layout optimisation, workflow improvements, and process standardisation.
• Participate in Industry 4.0 and smart factory projects.
• Support process validation, capability studies, and engineering change implementation.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Tooling, and IT teams.
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives and compliance to IATF 16949 standards.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, technical documentation, and process flow diagrams.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering will be advantageous.
• 0–2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Internship, graduate programme, or practical manufacturing exposure advantageous.
• Exposure to automotive manufacturing or injection moulding environments highly beneficial.

Technical Skills Required

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with Power BI or similar data visualisation tools.
• Basic knowledge of Python and/or SQL advantageous.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of ERP/MES systems (SAP advantageous).
• Interest in automation, Industrial IoT, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Basic PLC knowledge advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Passion for technology, innovation, and manufacturing excellence.

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing technologies.
• Hands‑on involvement in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation projects.
• Opportunity to work with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Career development within a global manufacturing environment.
• Practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, data analytics, automation, and smart factory initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This position is ideal for a recent graduate or junior engineer who enjoys working with data, technology, process improvement, and manufacturing systems, and who is eager to develop a career in modern, digitally enabled production environments.

If you are passionate about smart manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, we would like to hear from you. Apply at [e-mail]