Senior Systems Engineer - Manufacturing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Group life cover

Provident fund contribution

Training and certifications

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to optimize complex manufacturing systems. The role focuses on analyzing performance, identifying integration challenges, and implementing scalable system improvements for efficiency and reliability.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in manufacturing environments, strong knowledge of MES/ERP, and proven ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Industrial/Systems/Electrical Eng or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in systems engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, automation, and control systems.
• Proficiency with system modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with data analysis, performance monitoring, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills; ability to work in a hybrid Bloemfontein environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze performance of integrated manufacturing systems (hardware, software, human factors).
• Identify bottlenecks, failures, and optimization areas across production lines.
• Design and implement system upgrades to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop system requirements and specifications for new equipment and processes.
• Collaborate with controls engineering, IT, and production for seamless integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues affecting system performance.
• Develop system validation and testing procedures; maintain architecture diagrams and manuals.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on systems engineering principles.
• Stay current with advancements in manufacturing systems technology and automation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Systems engineering

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

MES

ERP

PLC/SCADA

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the automotive manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is central to optimizing the complex systems that drive our client's production lines. You will be responsible for analyzing system performance, identifying integration challenges, and implementing solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall output. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of interconnected manufacturing processes and a proven ability to design and improve system architectures. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to a leading industry firm and to drive technological advancement in Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze the performance of integrated manufacturing systems, including hardware, software, and human interactions.
• Identify system bottlenecks, failures, and areas for optimization across production lines.
• Design and implement system upgrades and modifications to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop system requirements and specifications for new manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., controls engineering, IT, production) to ensure seamless system integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues affecting system performance.
• Develop and implement system validation and testing procedures.
• Create and maintain system documentation, including architecture diagrams and operational manuals.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on systems engineering principles.
• Stay current with advancements in manufacturing systems technology and automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in systems engineering or a closely related field, specifically within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, automation, and control systems.
• Proficiency in system modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with data analysis, performance monitoring, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment in Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is beneficial.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and influence decision-making.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, and industrial networks is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance reviews.
• Comprehensive medical aid and group life cover.
• Generous provident fund contribution.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional certifications.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Employee assistance program for well-being.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Paid annual leave.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading manufacturing group.