Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Advanced training

Certifications

Workshops

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer for a leading automotive manufacturing facility in Polokwane. The role focuses on optimizing production processes, reducing waste, and ensuring top quality of automotive components on the shop floor.

You will drive continuous improvement through new manufacturing technologies, lean methods, and Six Sigma projects, collaborating with R&D, design teams, and cross-functional groups to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, industrial engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Proven expertise in process optimization, lean manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of stamping, welding, assembly, and machining.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software for process design and simulation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing manufacturing processes for efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop and implement new processes, workflows, and equipment layouts.
• Identify opportunities for automation and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Lead troubleshooting for production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and ISO/TS 16949.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and shop floor staff.
• Evaluate and recommend new manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Process optimization

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Project management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturing facility in Polokwane , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Manufacturing Process Engineer. This pivotal role involves optimizing production processes, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring the highest quality standards are met for automotive components. You will be instrumental in the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and methodologies, driving continuous improvement initiatives on the shop floor. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing engineering, deep knowledge of automotive production techniques, and excellent problem-solving abilities. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to take on significant responsibilities and contribute to the success of a key player in the automotive supply chain in Polokwane .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop and implement new manufacturing processes, workflows, and equipment layouts.
• Identify opportunities for automation and implement solutions to enhance production capabilities.
• Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for production issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949).
• Train and mentor junior engineers and production staff on process improvements and best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new manufacturing technologies and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering within the automotive industry.
• Proven expertise in process optimization, lean manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing techniques such as stamping, welding, assembly, and machining.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software for process design and simulation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis and performance monitoring tools.
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects.

Benefits

• competitive salary package, commensurate with experience
• medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• potential performance bonuses
• Opportunities for professional development
• advanced training
• certifications
• workshops

You will work in a modern facility with access to advanced manufacturing technologies.

This hybrid role in Polokwane offers a challenging yet rewarding career path within a well-established automotive manufacturer.