Manufacturing jobs in South Africa

ikejaWireless PTY (LTD) is looking for a Manufacturing Lead to join our team, as we embark on the expansion of our network throughout South Africa. In taking on this role, you will be joining a talented and passionate team that is intrinsically motivated by the fact that we are a fast-growing internet startup that finds itself in the telecommunications space. At ikeja, we believe in providing more than just a quality wireless internet solution–we're dedicated to building and empowering the communities which we serve, by equipping them with the accessibility required for their personal and professional development.

Our manufacturing department plays a crucial role in ensuring the assembly, testing, and production of our products. We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Manufacturing Lead to join our dynamic team.

As the Manufacturing Lead, you will be responsible for managing a team of Manufacturing Technicians in our assembly and production department. You will play a vital role in coordinating the manufacturing process, ensuring the timely completion of custom and inhouse products, and working closely with the Warehouse Manager to meet the operational needs of the business. The team's primary focus is on assembling, testing and the repair of elements to meet weekly production targets.

Responsibilities of the role (not limited to but including):

• 1. Technical Skills and Knowledge:
  • Electronic PCB assembly at the component level
  • Reading schematics and compiling BOMs
  • Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
  • Advanced Precision Manufacturing
  • Advanced Testing Systems / Methods
  • Focus on cost of manufacturing reductions in CapEx, BOM, and cost of manufacturing
  • Maintain detailed component level process documentation, findings, and process manufacturing line development 
  • Team Management:
  • Clearly define expectations for the engineering team which improve overall productivity
  1. • Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to ensure the team's growth and performance improvements.
     • Monitor and evaluate individual and team performance, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
     • Drive recruitment for new team members
  2. Supply Chain Management
  • Take charge of ordering and managing inputs and materials required for the manufacturing process
  • Maintain accurate inventory levels and anticipate the need for resupplies to prevent disruptions in production
  • Collaborate with the procurement department and/or Warehouse Manager to source materials efficiently and cost-effectively.
  1. Safety and Compliance:
     • Ensure that the manufacturing team complies with safety regulations and follows established safety protocols relating to electronic/electrical components such as preventing ESD incidents.
     • Report any safety concerns and work to mitigate potential risks.
  
  
  1. Production Coordination:
     • Oversee the assembly and production process to meet weekly production targets.
     • Ensure quality control, accuracy, and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process.
     • Guide the production team to resolve any production-related issues or bottlenecks.
     • Drive the testing, repair and redeployment process of faulty/damaged equipment.
  2. Testing and Quality Assurance:
     • Manage the testing of products to meet quality standards.
     • Implement quality control procedures and best practices to minimize defects and rework.
     • Drive continuous improvement and SOPs to maximize efficiency.
  3. Communication and collaboration:
     • Maintain regular communication with your line manager to provide updates on departmental progress, issues, and recommendations.
     • Collaborate with other departments, such as the warehouse, to ensure a smooth handover of completed units.
       

• Qualifications/Requirements:
  
  • Bachelor's degree in electronics, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is preferred
  • Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably in electronic device assembly
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and Lean principles
  • Proficiency in inventory management and procurement
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and leadership abilities
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance standards
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Experience with assembly and testing of electronic products is a plus

Why you should join us ????

• The opportunity to grow both in your personal and professional capacity - you'll get to work with extremely smart and capable people, who come from all walks of life and career backgrounds.
• Comfort in joining a fast-growing internet startup with a long monetary runway that finds itself in the telecommunications space
  
• A bucketful of challenging problems to solve, so hopefully that's your thing!
• Working for impact - as we solve lower LSM internet connectivity in South Africa.

Why you should not join us ????‍♂️

• You only want to be working on the high-level strategic projects and don’t want to embrace its full spectrum or be 'in the trenches
• You’re looking for a very structured environment where nothing ever changes, and you're not open to learning new things