Product Industrialisation Engineer

The Product Industrialisation Engineer role focuses on bridging the gap between product design and efficient, scalable manufacturing processes. This position is crucial for ensuring that new products can be brought to market smoothly, cost-effectively, and to the highest quality standards. You will be instrumental in translating innovative concepts into tangible, manufacturable realities, working closely with various teams to achieve this.

About the Role

This position is designed for a technically adept individual who thrives on problem-solving and optimisation. The core of the job involves making sure that products, once conceived and designed, can be produced reliably and efficiently on a larger scale. This requires a deep understanding of manufacturing principles, materials, and processes, combined with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential production challenges. You will be a key player in the product lifecycle, ensuring that the transition from prototype to mass production is seamless and successful. The employer is a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to innovation and sustainable practices, with a strong emphasis on fostering employee growth and development.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of activities aimed at ensuring successful product industrialisation. This includes:

• Collaborating closely with design and R&D teams to understand product specifications and design intent.
• Developing and refining manufacturing processes and documentation to support efficient production.
• Conducting feasibility studies and risk assessments for new product introductions from a manufacturing perspective.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and quality enhancements throughout the production cycle.
• Troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing-related issues that may arise during development or production phases.
• Participating in the selection and evaluation of manufacturing equipment and technologies.
• Ensuring that production processes comply with all relevant quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Working with suppliers and production staff to implement and optimise manufacturing plans.
• Staying abreast of emerging manufacturing technologies and best practices to drive continuous improvement.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, you will need a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical manufacturing experience. Key requirements include:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, likely in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or a related technical field.
• Demonstrable experience in product industrialisation, process engineering, or a similar manufacturing-focused role.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing techniques, materials science, and quality control methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a systematic approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Proficiency in relevant software, which may include CAD/CAM, statistical process control (SPC) tools, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams, including engineers, designers, production staff, and management.
• A meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

This role offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to significantly impact the success of new product launches. In South Africa, engineers with this specialised skillset are highly sought after by manufacturing companies across various sectors, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and industrial equipment. Remuneration for such positions typically reflects the specialised knowledge and experience required, with potential for career progression into management or more senior technical specialisations within the manufacturing and operations domain.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 3+ years of software development experience.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C#.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with databases and web services.