Overview
Qualified Automotive Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Johannesburg, South Africa at Select Motor Recruitment
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.
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
Critical Competencies:
Process Engineering Strength
- Ability to design, implement, and control robust production systems in complex and variable environments
Mechanical Expertise
- Strong understanding of how transmissions and mechanical component’s function, common failure points, and quality risks
Shop-Floor Leadership
- Resilient, hands-on individual who can engage with technicians, enforce standards, and challenge inefficiencies on the ground
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- 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
Minimum Requirements:
- Degree or Diploma in Mechanical / Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering
Proven experience as a Production or Manufacturing Engineer within:
- OEM vehicle assembly plants, or
- Tier 1 automotive suppliers
Strong understanding of:
- Lean manufacturing principles
- PFMEA and control plans
- Quality systems and production discipline
- Line balancing and takt time
- Hands-on exposure to shop-floor environments
Preferred Industry Experience:
- Engine or transmission manufacturing
- Driveline or axle production
- Machining and assembly lines
- Diesel injection systems or rotating equipment
- Component remanufacturing
- Heavy vehicle component manufacturing
Success Profile:
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in:
- Assembly process engineering
- Production and process optimisation
- Quality problem-solving and failure analysis
- Manufacturing line improvement
- Operator training and process control
They will thrive in environments where:
- 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
Please note only candidates with the required experience will be contacted and considered. If you are not contacted within 14 days from application, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the specified criteria as per the job spec. If you do not meet the requirements, Select Motor Recruitment reserves the right not to respond to your application.
Applications should be submitted no later than 2 weeks from advertising.
Title: Qualified Automotive Manufacturing Engineer
Company: Select Motor Recruitment
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Category: