Product Industrialisation Engineer

Reference: NES027117-RS-2

An exciting opportunity exists for a Product Industrialisation Engineer to join a leading defence manufacturing organisation. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on transforming innovative product designs into efficient, scalable manufacturing processes.

Reporting to the Head of Production Engineering , you will play a critical role in industrialising new products, optimising manufacturing processes, managing engineering changes, and ensuring products are successfully released into production.

If you're passionate about manufacturing excellence, process improvement, ERP systems, and cross-functional collaboration, we'd like to hear from you. Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Product Industrialisation

• Lead the release of new products from Engineering into Manufacturing.

• Collaborate with the R&D team to optimise designs for manufacturability (DFM/DFA).

• Develop and improve production preparation processes to reduce cost, variation, and manufacturing errors.

• Ensure manufacturing readiness for new product introductions.

Configuration & Change Management

• Maintain product configurations and engineering baselines.

• Manage Engineering Change Control (ECO/ECN) processes.

• Establish and maintain Manufacturing Data Freeze baselines.

• Support Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities.

ERP & Manufacturing Systems

• Create, maintain, and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) within the ERP system.

• Configure product structures, module derivatives, and historical build records.

• Develop and enhance ERP workflows and business processes.

• Support automation initiatives and improve ERP functionality.

• Diagnose and resolve ERP-related technical issues.

Production Engineering

• Compile production part lists to support manufacturing schedules.

• Support procurement by ensuring accurate BOMs and timely engineering releases.

• Coordinate local part development and sourcing where required.

• Communicate engineering changes across all production teams.

• Assist manufacturing teams with process improvements and out-of-standard conditions.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse manufacturing and business processes to identify improvement opportunities.

• Develop cost models, simulations, feasibility studies, and workflow improvements.

• Implement Lean Manufacturing and process optimisation initiatives.

• Improve production efficiency, quality, and operational performance.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

• 3–5 years' experience in a Product Industrialisation, Manufacturing Engineering, or Production Engineering role

• 2–3 years' experience in Configuration Management

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment (defence, aerospace, automotive, heavy engineering, or similar)

• Strong understanding of product industrialisation and manufacturing processes

Technical Skills

• Product Industrialisation

• Configuration Management

• Engineering Change Control (ECN/ECO)

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

• Bills of Materials (BOM) Management

• ERP systems (SYSPRO experience highly advantageous)

• Manufacturing process optimisation

• Workflow development and automation

• Production planning and manufacturing readiness

• Cost modelling and data analysis

• Manufacturing documentation and work preparation

Software Experience

Experience with one or more of the following

• SYSPRO ERP

• ERP/MRP systems

• CAD software

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

• MATLAB

• Python

• Six Sigma tools

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• Excellent problem-solving ability

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

• Leadership and collaboration skills

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• Strong organisational and planning skills

• Results-driven with exceptional attention to detail

• Emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure

Key Performance Indicators

• Successful industrialisation of new products

• Manufacturing readiness achieved within agreed project timelines

• BOM accuracy and configuration integrity

• Engineering changes implemented efficiently

• ERP workflows successfully developed and maintained

• Improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced process variation

• Continuous improvement initiatives delivered on time and within budget

• Strong collaboration across Engineering, Production, Procurement, and Supply Chain

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to become part of a high-performing engineering team developing and manufacturing advanced defence technologies. You'll contribute to cutting-edge programmes while driving innovation, operational excellence, and manufacturing efficiency in a world-class production environment.

Apply Now

If you're an Industrial or Mechanical Engineer with a passion for manufacturing, product industrialisation, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your cv to rusteyn@networkrecruitment.co.za