Principal Mechanical Engineer: Process Equipment

About the Role
Our client, a highly reputable manufacturing firm renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Advanced Manufacturing Process Engineer for their facility in Rustenburg
. This role is critical for optimizing current manufacturing processes and developing new, efficient production methods. You will be at the forefront of implementing state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing technologies, ensuring efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and adherence to the highest quality standards. This position demands a proactive individual with a deep understanding of manufacturing principles and a passion for driving operational excellence. You will work closely with production teams, R&D, and quality assurance to implement improvements and troubleshoot any process‑related challenges, directly impacting the company's output and competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Develop, implement, and validate new manufacturing processes and technologies, including automation and robotics.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process capability studies and statistical process control (SPC) analysis.
• Evaluate and select appropriate manufacturing equipment and tooling.
• Train production personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards within the manufacturing environment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes and report on performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for industrial goods.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing technologies such as CNC machining, injection molding, casting, or assembly automation.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑