Production Engineer Graduate

Our client, a leading automotive component manufacturer, is seeking a highly analytical and driven Production Engineer to support manufacturing excellence through process optimisation, data analysis, continuous improvement, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. 
 This role offers an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career engineer looking to build a career in smart manufacturing, automation, Industrial IoT (IIoT), and production engineering within a world-class automotive environment. 
 Key Responsibilities 
 
 • Analyse production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
 • Support Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, and root-cause analysis initiatives.
 • Collect, analyse, and interpret production data to drive operational performance improvements.
 • Develop and maintain reports and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, and other analytical tools.
 • Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including OEE, downtime, scrap rates, cycle times, and efficiency.
 • Support the implementation of Industrial IoT (IIoT), automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.
 • Assist with production layout optimisation, workflow improvements, and process standardisation.
 • Participate in Industry 4.0 and smart factory projects.
 • Support process validation, capability studies, and engineering change implementation.
 • Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Tooling, and IT teams.
 • Assist with quality improvement initiatives and compliance to IATF 16949 standards.
 • Develop and maintain SOPs, technical documentation, and process flow diagrams.
 
 Minimum Requirements 
 
 • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
 • Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering will be advantageous.
 • 0–2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment.
 • Internship, graduate programme, or practical manufacturing exposure advantageous.
 • Exposure to automotive manufacturing or injection moulding environments highly beneficial.
 
 Technical Skills Required 
 
 • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
 • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
 • Experience with Power BI or similar data visualisation tools.
 • Basic knowledge of Python and/or SQL advantageous.
 • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
 • Knowledge of ERP/MES systems (SAP advantageous).
 • Interest in automation, Industrial IoT, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
 • Basic PLC knowledge advantageous.
 
 Key Competencies 
 
 • Strong attention to detail.
 • Data-driven mindset.
 • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
 • Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
 • Strong planning and organisational skills.
 • Continuous improvement mindset.
 • Passion for technology, innovation, and manufacturing excellence.
 
 What You'll Gain 
 
 • Exposure to advanced automotive manufacturing technologies.
 • Hands-on involvement in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation projects.
 • Opportunity to work with cross-functional engineering teams.
 • Career development within a global manufacturing environment.
 • Practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, data analytics, automation, and smart factory initiatives.
 
 Ideal Candidate Profile 
 This position is ideal for a recent graduate or junior engineer who enjoys working with data, technology, process improvement, and manufacturing systems, and who is eager to develop a career in modern, digitally enabled production environments. 
 If you are passionate about smart manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, we would like to hear from you. Apply at staceyk@profilepersonnel.co.za