SGD is looking for a detail-oriented and results-driven Production Engineer responsible for ensuring efficient, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing operations. The role focuses on optimizing production processes, maintaining stable workflows, resolving technical issues, and supporting production teams in achieving quality, cost, and delivery objectives. Production Engineers play a key role in maintaining equipment readiness, improving production flow, and driving continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align operations with business and customer requirements and ensure readiness for new product introductions.
The role will be reporting to the Manager: Industrial and Production Engineering
Your role:
Monitor and optimize production processes to meet performance targets (quality, cost, delivery).
Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day production issues to minimize downtime.
Implement improvements to increase productivity, improve workflow, and reduce waste in daily operations.
Manage production schedules and coordinate with planning to ensure production goals are achieved on time.
Collaborate with other departments—such as supply chain, quality, design, and engineering—to align production activities with overall business objectives.
Ensure the smooth and stable flow of materials and products through each stage of manufacturing.
Design and maintain efficient production line setups, including workstation configuration and layout improvements.
Support the preparation and execution of production readiness for new or modified products.
Ensure required tools, jigs, fixtures, and equipment are in place, functional, and properly maintained.
Work with maintenance teams to ensure machines are reliable and that preventive maintenance schedules are followed.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), visual work instructions, and production documentation.
Collect and monitor production performance data and escalate abnormalities for investigation and correction.
Train production operators and technicians on updated processes, tools, and equipment.
Enforce adherence to safety standards, quality procedures, and regulatory requirements during production.
Maintain production records and support traceability, reporting, and audit readiness.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S) to sustain operational excellence.
Participate in cross-functional problem-solving and improvement workshops.
Your profile
Required Knowledge:
In-depth understanding of lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
Expertise in production process design, optimisation, and workflow improvements.
Strong knowledge of quality management standards such as ISO 9001 and relevant regulatory requirements.
Familiarity with equipment calibration processes and maintaining compliance documentation.
Experience with Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programming and part verification.
Working knowledge of ERP systems related to production planning and control.
Proficiency in root cause analysis tools like FMEA, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams
Awareness of safety regulations and best practices in a manufacturing environment.
Required Experience:
Improving production processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste
Troubleshooting and resolving day-to-day production issues
Supporting the introduction of new products and production lines
Applying lean tools such as 5S and Kaizen in daily operations
Using ERP systems like SAP for production planning and tracking
Preparing and maintaining work instructions and standard operating procedures
Participating in quality audits and ensuring compliance with standards
Training operators and technicians on updated processes and equipment
Working in fast-paced or regulated manufacturing environments
Required Skills:
Effective team leadership and people management
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
Clear and concise communication skills
Planning and organising work to meet deadlines
Technical report writing and documentation
Data analysis using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools
Decision-making based on data and operational insights
Attention to detail and accuracy
Adaptability to change and new technologies
Collaboration across departments and teams
Requires competencies:
Strong knowledge and practical experience with lean manufacturing tools and principles (5S, Kaizen) at an intermediate to advanced level.
Skilled in analysing and optimising production processes independently.
Good understanding of quality management systems (ISO 9001) and root cause analysis techniques.
Experience with production planning, scheduling, and ERP systems
Proven leadership skills to manage and motivate an engineering team effectively.
Proficient in problem-solving methods such as 5 Whys and FMEA.
Competent in managing equipment calibration and maintaining calibration records.
Familiarity with programming and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
Ability to collect, analyse, and report production data using software tools for decision support.
Solid knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance in manufacturing environments.
Qualification:
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in:
Production Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Or a related engineering discipline
8–10 years of relevant manufacturing or production engineering experience
Preferred Requirements:
Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Honours Degree, or higher qualification in a relevant engineering field.
10–15 years of practical experience in a manufacturing, production, or engineering environment
Experience in leading engineering improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects
Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Project Management, or related disciplines
Training or experience in quality standards, safety management, and equipment maintenance
What you will be a part of
SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains.
With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country’s defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security. The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market-customised solutions are.
If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal – to help protect people.
SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds
Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date.