XSIT has a vacancy for a Production Engineer to join the team at the Citrusdal Facility in the Western Cape. This permanent position will be responsible for managing and optimising production by applying mechanical engineering principles and ensuring reliable and efficient production. Responsible for leading a production team to achieve on-time delivery output requirements, quality, health and safety, and continuous improvement targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage day-to-day operations to meet production targets (volume, yield, quality, timing and cost).
- Ensure all rearing and processing activities comply with SOPs, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor and analyse production metrics.
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and implement process and layout improvements.
- Support and implement possible scale-up operations and theoretical calculations, as well as pilot run results to be achieved prior to approval.
- Work alongside the Maintenance Manager to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and availability of systems.
- Propose and help implement any process, equipment or environmental design changes or modifications.
- Plan, implement, and oversee preventative, predictive, and corrective measures.
- Conduct root cause analysis of incidents and implement corrective and preventative actions.
- Ensure waste handling and disposal meet environmental and regulatory standards.
- Lead, supervise, and develop staff.
- Conduct shift planning, task allocation, and performance monitoring.
- Train staff on SOPs, equipment use, safety, hygiene, and health and safety.
- Foster a culture of accountability, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Address performance, absenteeism, and disciplinary matters in line with company policies.
- Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and close out corrective actions.
- Promote a strong safety culture and lead by example.
- Provide technical input into CAPEX planning, project execution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments including R&D, quality, maintenance, and logistics teams.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree / BTech in Mechanical Engineering (or related engineering discipline).
- Professional registration or working towards registration is advantageous.
- 3–7 years’ experience in a production, manufacturing, agricultural, or life sciences environment.
- Supervisory or line management experience preferred.
- Knowledge/experience of pneumatic product conveying and temperature effects and controls is highly advantageous.
- Knowledge/experience of cold rooms is highly advantageous.
- Knowledge/experience of product particle separation systems and equipment, e.g., wet filtration, etc., is advantageous.
Competencies & Attributes:
- Strong problem-solving and analytical ability.
- Practical, hands-on engineering and leadership approach.
- Ability to work in highly controlled, biologically sensitive environments.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- High attention to safety, hygiene, and compliance.
- Continuous improvement and accountability mindset.
- On the floor attitude over office-bound is highly preferable.
XSIT (Pty) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, religion, colour, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other status or condition protected by law.
Remuneration for the position will be discussed with candidates invited to an interview.