Process Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing

About the role

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer, is seeking a Process Engineer to support the start‑up and continuous improvement of premium wrapping and sewing operations at their Uitenhage plant. You will work closely with plant, project, and product development teams to ensure high‑quality production and efficient processes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead start‑up of all premium wrapping and sewing machines, establishing standards and best practices.
• Prepare initial samples with plant and project teams to meet customer quality and schedule requirements.
• Control production stability, monitor process parameters, and manage tooling.
• Evaluate feasibility of new wrapping processes and products, validating improvements before full production.
• Train and coach operators on process execution.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Supervisor to enhance maintenance procedures and support root‑cause analysis of equipment failures.
• Drive continuous productivity (SMED, CIG) and quality (scrap reduction) initiatives.
• Lead QRCI investigations for quality issues and manage FMEA/RFMEA activities.
• Review process flow diagrams, integrate ergonomic principles, and support engineering change and product development interfaces.
• Define and update cycle times in line with takt times and support tooling/equipment buy‑off.

Required profile

• National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive engineering experience with premium wrapping/sewing machines.
• Proven experience in FMEA/RFMEA development, BOM management, and auditing.
• Strong knowledge of problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D and Six Sigma.

Required skills

• Premium wrapping machines
• Sewing machines
• FMEA and RFMEA
• BOM management
• 8D problem‑solving
• Six Sigma
• SMED
• CIG
• Root cause analysis
• Process flow diagram review
• Ergonomic design principles