Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for an East London automotive components supplier. You will optimise processes, implement new technologies, and lead continuous improvement projects to boost efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness.

You will work closely with production, QA and R&D in a hybrid environment. The role requires a strong background in lean manufacturing, process development and problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 6+ years in manufacturing engineering, automotive preferred.
• Proficient in Lean, Kaizen, and SPC.
• Familiar with IATF 16949 quality standards.
• Experience with CNC, stamping, or assembly is desirable.
• CAD experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Excellent communication to work with cross-functional teams.
• Able to work in hybrid East London environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for automotive components to improve efficiency, quality, and reduce costs.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Introduce and integrate new manufacturing technologies and equipment into the production environment.
• Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D and design teams on NPI, ensuring manufacturability.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs.
• Oversee equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting.
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949.
• Manage and mentor junior manufacturing engineers and technicians.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

SPC

Process optimization

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier of high-precision automotive components, is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to enhance their production processes at their facility in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is pivotal in driving manufacturing excellence through process optimization, new technology implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work closely with production teams, quality assurance, and R&D to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production of automotive parts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in lean manufacturing, process development, and problem-solving within an automotive production environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer to contribute to a leading supplier in the automotive industry, utilizing a hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for automotive components to improve efficiency, quality, and reduce costs.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Introduce and integrate new manufacturing technologies and equipment into the production environment.
• Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D and design teams on new product introductions (NPI), ensuring manufacturability.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee equipment setup, calibration, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Manage and mentor junior manufacturing engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably within the automotive component industry.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, Kaizen events, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Strong understanding of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Experience with CNC machining, stamping, or assembly processes is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in CAD software for process layout and design is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Must be willing to work a hybrid schedule, based in East London, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a pension fund, and life insurance.
• Employees are provided with opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, supporting work-life balance.

Join a forward-thinking company committed to quality and innovation in the automotive manufacturing sector.