Qualified Automotive Manufacturing Engineer - Johannesburg / Pretoria

SUMMARY:
Remuneration: R70 000 – R90 000 CTC, dependent on skill set, knowledge, and experience
 
Purpose Of The Job:
 
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Automotive Manufacturing Engineer to drive production excellence within a specialised automotive environment. This role is ideally suited to an individual with strong OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience who can successfully transition workshop-style rebuilding operations into a structured, efficient, and repeatable production system.
 
The successful candidate will play a critical role in introducing process discipline, improving quality outcomes, and optimising production flow across complex mechanical assemblies.
 
This is a high-impact opportunity for a technically strong manufacturing engineer to shape and modernise production processes in a specialised automotive environment. The right candidate will play a pivotal role in transforming operational performance, quality standards, and overall efficiency.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and optimise production processes within a manufacturing or remanufacturing environment
• Convert non-standard, workshop-based operations into structured, repeatable production systems
• Establish and maintain standard work, takt time, and line balancing methodologies
• Develop detailed work instructions, control plans, and process documentation
• Improve workshop layout and material flow to reduce inefficiencies and WIP (work-in-progress) build-up
• Introduce in-process quality checks at each production stage to improve first-time pass rates
• Analyse and track defects, rework, delays, and production bottlenecks
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for complex mechanical failures
• Strengthen communication and workflow integration between inspection, quoting, parts, assembly, and testing teams
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles

• Ability to design, implement, and control robust production systems in complex and variable environments

• Strong understanding of how transmissions and mechanical component’s function, common failure points, and quality risks

• Resilient, hands-on individual who can engage with technicians, enforce standards, and challenge inefficiencies on the ground

• Production efficiency and throughput improvement
• Reduction in rework, defects, and bottlenecks
• Improved first-time dyno/test pass rates
• Effective implementation of standardised processes and controls
• Measurable improvements in material flow and WIP reduction
• Enhanced process discipline and shop-floor performance

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical / Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering

• OEM vehicle assembly plants, or
• Tier 1 automotive suppliers

• Lean manufacturing principles
• PFMEA and control plans
• Quality systems and production discipline
• Line balancing and takt time
• Hands-on exposure to shop-floor environments

• Engine or transmission manufacturing
• Driveline or axle production
• Machining and assembly lines
• Diesel injection systems or rotating equipment
• Component remanufacturing
• Heavy vehicle component manufacturing

• Assembly process engineering
• Production and process optimisation
• Quality problem-solving and failure analysis
• Manufacturing line improvement
• Operator training and process control

• Each unit presents unique challenges
• Inspection and diagnostic judgement are critical
• Parts availability impacts workflow
• Workmanship variation must be controlled
• Root cause analysis requires deep technical insight