Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Career development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer for its Nelspruit, Mpumalanga operations. You will lead design, implementation and optimization of manufacturing lines, tooling, and automation to drive efficiency and quality.

The role requires a strong background in manufacturing engineering, extensive automotive experience, and deep knowledge of lean principles. You will mentor teams and ensure safety and regulatory compliance on site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience with process design and automation.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for automotive components and lines.
• Design and procure new tooling, machinery, and automation systems.
• Analyze production data to improve efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Implement lean methods (5S, Kaizen, VSM) to boost productivity.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions to reduce downtime.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and supply chain for manufacturability.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Conduct process capability studies and SPC.
• Train personnel on new processes and equipment.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Lean manufacturing

Process optimization

Automation

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer to join their operations in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This role is pivotal in optimizing and advancing the manufacturing processes for vehicle production, focusing on efficiency, quality, and safety. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and improving production lines, tooling, and automation systems. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in manufacturing engineering, extensive experience with automotive production techniques, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles. This is an excellent opportunity to drive operational excellence and contribute to the success of a major automotive player. The **Nelspruit** location offers a unique environment within the industrial landscape of Mpumalanga. We are looking for a hands-on engineer who can lead process improvements and foster a culture of continuous development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for automotive components and assembly lines.
• Design and procure new tooling, machinery, and automation systems.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to enhance productivity.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Collaborate with design engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and seamless production.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Conduct process capability studies and implement statistical process control (SPC).
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with safety regulations and environmental standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering within the automotive industry.
• Proven experience in process design, optimization, and automation.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing technologies (e.g., stamping, welding, assembly, robotics).
• Experience with CAD software for tooling and fixture design is beneficial.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment in **Nelspruit**.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949).

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for career advancement and skill enhancement.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.
• Generous annual leave and holiday pay.
• Employee assistance programs.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.