Resident engineer /Manufacturing Engineer

Mayfair Gearbox; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfair Gearbox is seeking a Manufacturing / Production Engineer to enhance its remanufacturing workshop in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing efficient production flows, implementing quality systems, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Applicants should possess a degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, along with proven experience in automotive or heavy mechanical environments. This role demands strong hands-on skills and a deep understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean principles.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing / Production Engineer in automotive or heavy mechanical environments.
• Hands-on experience working on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient production flow across stripping, inspection, assembly, and testing.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Establish quality control points at each stage of the reman process.
• Apply lean principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Monitor and report on key production metrics such as throughput and efficiency.

Skills

Production processes

Process control

Quality systems

Lean principles

Education

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical / Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

To transform and optimise the remanufacturing workshop into a controlled, efficient, and repeatable production environment by implementing structured processes, quality systems, and production flow improvements.

This role is focused on turning rebuild operations into a disciplined manufacturing system, improving output, quality, and consistency across gearbox and drivetrain remanufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Flow & Process Engineering

• Design and implement efficient production flow across stripping, inspection, assembly, and testing
• Reduce bottlenecks, delays, and work-in-progress (WIP) build-ups
• Improve workshop layout and material flow for optimal throughput
• Define and optimise standard times for each process

2. Process Control & Standardisation

• Develop and implement:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Work instructions
  • Process control methods
• Introduce structured production discipline across all stages
• Ensure repeatability and consistency in rebuild processes

3. Quality Management & Improvement

• Establish quality control points at each stage of the reman process
• Improve first-time pass rates (including dyno/testing success rates)
• Track defects, rework, and failure trends
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions

4. Continuous Improvement (Lean Manufacturing)

• Apply lean principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Drive initiatives to improve:
  • Labour productivity
  • Cycle times
  • Process efficiency
• Implement tools such as:
  • Line balancing
  • Process mapping
  • Visual management

5. Data & Performance Tracking

• Monitor and report on key production metrics:
  • Throughput
  • Efficiency
  • Rework rates
  • Quality performance
• Identify trends, constraints, and improvement opportunities

6. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Improve communication and workflow between:
  • Inspection
  • Quoting
  • Parts
  • Assembly
  • Testing
• Ensure alignment between technical, operational, and commercial functions

7. Shop Floor Engagement

• Work closely with technicians and supervisors on the floor daily
• Drive accountability, discipline, and adherence to process standards
• Coach teams on best practices and continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical / Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering
• Proven experience as a Manufacturing / Production Engineer in automotive or heavy mechanical environments
• Strong understanding of:
  • Production processes
  • Process control
  • Quality systems
• Hands-on experience working on the shop floor