Graduate Mechanical Engineer (Operations & Productivity Improvement)

Recruiter:

Network Contracting

Job Ref:

NCM003518/KMa

Date posted:

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY:
Our valued client in Roodepoort is seeking a high-potential Graduate Mechanical Engineer who is assertive, hands-on, and solutions-driven to support manufacturing operations through problem solving, process improvement, training, and implementation of operational solutions.

This role is ideal for a newly qualified engineer who is eager to drive productivity, improve machine readiness, and contribute to a high-performance plant environment.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities 1) Operational Support & Continuous Improvement Identify production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve output and efficiency Assist with optimising machine performance to improve uptime and reliability Analyse downtime trends and contribute to preventative measures Support lean initiatives (waste reduction, flow improvement, cycle time reduction) 2) Machine Readiness & Performance Assist with machine setup optimisation and readiness checks for daily production requirements Support root cause investigations for machine breakdowns and recurring faults Collaborate with maintenance teams to improve machine reliability and reduce unplanned stoppages Monitor machine performance indicators and escalate risks proactively 3) Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis Lead and participate in structured problem-solving initiatives (RCA \/ 5 Why \/ Fishbone) Conduct investigations into product defects, process variances and operational inefficiencies Implement corrective actions and follow through to ensure measurable outcomes 4) Training & Standardisation Train operators and production teams on improved methods, process controls and best practices Assist with developing and updating SOPs, work instructions and operational standards Promote a culture of accountability, compliance and continuous improvement 5) Reporting & Engineering Documentation Compile operational improvement reports and track progress against targets Record engineering changes and document solution implementation Provide technical support during audits, inspections and improvement reviews Minimum Requirements BTech \/ BEng \/ BSc in Mechanical Engineering (from a recognised South African university) 0-2 years' experience (graduate \/ internship experience welcomed) Strong willingness to work in a manufacturing \/ industrial environment Must be able to work on-site in Randburg \/ Roodepoort

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