Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life assurance

Pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer for our Durban plant. You will drive continuous improvement across manufacturing lines, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost reduction using Lean and Six Sigma, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The role requires hands-on leadership, process optimization, and collaboration with design, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and operational excellence on-site in Durban.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering with focus on process improvement in automotive.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Experience with process simulation, data analysis and SPC.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality and cost.
• Develop, implement, and validate new manufacturing processes and technologies including automation and robotics.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma improvement initiatives (Kaizen, VSM, DMAIC).
• Optimize assembly line balancing, material flow and workstation design for productivity.
• Create and maintain SOPs and work instructions for processes.
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, quality and production teams for manufacturability.
• Oversee capital equipment projects from justification to commissioning.
• Train production staff on new processes and equipment.
• Monitor KPIs and report on performance.
• Ensure safety and environmental standards compliance.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process simulation

Data analysis

SPC (Statistical Process Control)

Automation & robotics

CAD software

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Leadership

Project management

Production floor experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive manufacturing, is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer to join their state-of-the-art facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is an on-site position critical to optimizing and advancing our production lines. You will be responsible for the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost reduction within our automotive assembly operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and advanced automation technologies. You will play a pivotal role in troubleshooting production bottlenecks, implementing new technologies, and ensuring that our manufacturing standards meet the highest global benchmarks. This role requires a hands-on approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead change initiatives within a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and validate new manufacturing processes and technologies, including automation and robotics.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, DMAIC).
• Optimize assembly line balancing, material flow, and workstation design to maximize productivity.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for all manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with design engineers, quality engineers, and production staff to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Manage and oversee the implementation of capital equipment projects, from justification to commissioning.
• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, and best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes and report on performance.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards within the manufacturing facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong focus on process improvement within the automotive sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Proven experience with process simulation, data analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Hands-on experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software for process layout and tooling design.
• Strong understanding of automotive quality standards and production systems (e.g., APQP, PPAP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working on a production floor in a demanding manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work on-site in Durban and potentially travel for training or supplier visits.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, life assurance, and a generous pension fund. Employees will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and contribute to the production of high-quality vehicles. Our client is committed to employee growth and provides excellent training and career advancement opportunities within a stable and supportive work environment. You will be an integral part of a leading automotive manufacturer with a strong commitment to innovation and operational excellence.