Technical Engineering Lead

KingsleyIrons Recruitment Services CC; Mkhambathini Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

KingsleyIrons Recruitment Services CC is seeking a Technical Lead in Mkhambathini Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves providing technical leadership across our vehicle assembly operation, ensuring compliance with OEM standards and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering professional with at least ten years in automotive manufacturing. Responsibilities include overseeing assembly processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting production teams through technical problem-solving and skills development.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 essential.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in automotive assembly or production line management.
• Experience in SKD/CKD assembly operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure tooling, fixtures, equipment comply with OEM specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement in assembly processes.
• Provide technical support for production issues.

Skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Process engineering

Manufacturing efficiency improvement

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Management

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

SAP

Job description

Description/Synopsis

A leading organisation in the automotive and transport manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced Technical Lead to provide technical leadership across a vehicle assembly operation.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on engineering professional with extensive automotive manufacturing experience who enjoys solving complex production challenges, optimising assembly processes, and driving operational excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring assembly line processes, tooling, equipment, and production systems consistently meet OEM standards while supporting continuous improvement, technical training, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 essential


• National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field


• Minimum 10 years’ experience in automotive assembly, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or production line management


• Experience within SKD/CKD assembly operations advantageous


• Government Certificate of Competency (GCC – Factories) advantageous


• Experience working with lifting equipment, chassis jigs, and riveting machines advantageous


• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly systems, and production methodologies


• Experience working with ERP, MES, and manufacturing systems


• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and stakeholder management skills

Main Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Manufacturing Engineering

• Own and maintain assembly line technical processes, systems, and engineering standards


• Ensure tooling, fixtures, equipment, and production processes comply with OEM specifications and requirements


• Support the introduction of new models and engineering changes into production environments


• Review OEM build instructions and provide timely technical feedback where required


• Serve as the primary technical authority for assembly line operations

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead process optimisation, line balancing, and productivity improvement initiatives


• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and rework minimisation


• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and operational performance


• Support production teams in achieving operational targets through technical problem-solving and process enhancements

Production Support & Equipment Reliability

• Provide technical support for production issues, equipment failures, and breakdowns


• Coordinate tooling and equipment maintenance activities to minimise operational downtime


• Support the installation, commissioning, and ramp-up of new production equipment and systems


• Ensure equipment remains reliable, compliant, and capable of meeting production requirements

OEM Compliance & Quality Management

• Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with OEM build instructions


• Ensure workstation management standards are maintained, including cleanliness, tooling condition, stock control, and defect reporting processes


• Support quality initiatives and ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet required standards


• Review, manage, and approve OEM-related technical reports and documentation

Systems & Production Planning

• Ensure SAP MES/MRP systems remain aligned with production and assembly operations


• Work closely with SAP developers and internal stakeholders to support system enhancements and process improvements


• Provide technical input into logistics, production planning, and operational scheduling activities


• Support the integration of locally sourced components into assembly processes

Team Development & Stakeholder Management

• Lead technical training and skills development initiatives for production teams


• Support knowledge transfer and upskilling across manufacturing operations


• Collaborate with production, logistics, quality, procurement, and leadership teams to achieve business objectives


• Build strong relationships with OEM representatives, suppliers, and key stakeholders to support operational success