Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer to join its Mossel Bay facility. Lead process optimization across assembly, stamping, and component manufacturing, driving Lean initiatives and automation implementations.

You will mentor production teams, develop SOPs, and ensure IATF 16949-aligned quality systems while delivering cost reductions and safety improvements in a dynamic automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing process engineering with automotive focus.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong understanding of automotive assembly, stamping, or component manufacturing processes.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and PLC programming is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for process design and simulation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with leadership ability.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Design, develop, and implement new manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
• Oversee automation and robotics implementations in production lines.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process changes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process issues to minimize disruption.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot programs for new technologies.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance in all implementations.
• Train and mentor production staff on new processes and best practices.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Automation

Robotics

PLC programming

CAD/CAM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM software

PLC programming

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer to join their operational excellence team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for optimizing and innovating manufacturing processes across various automotive production lines, including assembly, stamping, and component manufacturing. You will be instrumental in improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing quality, and ensuring the safety of our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, advanced production techniques, and automation technologies. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for guiding process improvements and managing complex projects. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about driving manufacturing innovation and contributing to the company's competitive edge in the automotive sector. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on production efficiency and quality within a dynamic manufacturing environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Design, develop, and implement new manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
• Oversee the implementation of automation and robotics in production lines.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and production, to implement process changes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot programs for new manufacturing technologies and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in all process implementations.
• Train and mentor production staff on new processes and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing process engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong understanding of automotive assembly processes, stamping operations, or component manufacturing.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and PLC programming is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for process design and simulation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence teams.
• Familiarity with quality standards such as IATF 16949.
• Experience in developing and implementing robust manufacturing solutions.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a pension fund, and annual performance bonuses. Extensive opportunities for professional development and career advancement are provided through ongoing training, workshops, and leadership programs. The work environment is dynamic and challenging, fostering innovation and teamwork. This position is based at our advanced manufacturing facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . Employees benefit from company wellness programs and a strong commitment to employee well-being. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive manufacturing excellence in the automotive sector within a leading company.