8 Optimization Engineer jobs in South Africa

Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers, and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customers. With approximately
78,000 team members across more than 300 sites worldwide
, we deliver advanced technology solutions through our four business groups:
Motorparts, Ride Performance, Clean Air, and Powertrain
.

Guided by the
Tenneco Way
, we are committed to People, Pride, and Performance —driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable mobility solutions across diverse markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport, and the aftermarket.

A
12 Month Fixed Term Contracted
vacancy exists at Tenneco Emission Control (Pty) Ltd in Port Elizabeth.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced employees to fill the above vacancy.

Requirements:

• Industrial Engineering qualification (National Diploma/Degree).
• Minimum 3 – 5 years relevant experience in a manufacturing or operational improvement role.
• Automotive industry experiences advantageous.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean principles, Kaizen methodologies, and problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis).
• Advantageous: Portfolio of Evidence (POE) demonstrating measurable improvements you have implemented in previous roles.

Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Industrial Engineering

• Time and activity studies on all plant and equipment (Flash reports)
• Monitor all waste promoting (non-value adding) activities and co-ordinate elimination initiatives of such activities with processes.
• Advanced planning pertaining to the manning requirement for the new programs / pre-launch workshops/ new cell layouts.
• Use of CAT tool as format for work & method study analysis
• Pursue and promote cost saving ideas throughout the organization
• Provide SAP analyst with new product launch routings and ensure existing routings are current and accurate.
• Provide layout proposals for current and future business sin order to minimize floor space utilization and facilitate the best possible material flow and productivity in production cells.
• Develop and implement new processes for optimum utilization of resources within manufacturing and logistics (Raw material store and finished goods store)

Documentation Control

• Ensure all documentation pertaining to productivity improvements are correctly controlled in accordance to the organizations quality system.
• Ensure that all documentation regarding Raw and Finished Goods packaging is up to date and approved by relevant parties.
• Update and formulate new work packaging and setting instructions for all models (including visual aids)
• Ensuring all documentation pertaining to the flash reports are released and issued to the necessary managers.

Co-ordination of both Supplier and Customer Packaging

• Calculate cost effective packaging specifications for all current and new components
• Manage supplier packaging approval process
• Develop supplier packaging requirement to meet Tenneco production requirements.
• Obtain packaging instruction sign off from customers and follow through to implementation on shop floor.
• Implementation of optimum container utilization for freight shipment (Air or Sea)
• Compile packaging specifications and logistical layouts for the plant and material flow.
• Training operators when new packaging is introduced,
• Management of new packaging trials and packaging requirements for PTR activity.
• Ensuring PSW's are packed correctly into the required boxes and on correct pallets in the required period.

Warehouse & Logistical Productivity Improvements

• Implementation of Kanban & Just-in-time supply to the individual layouts for the plant and material flow.
• Training operators when new packaging is introduced.
• Management of new packaging trials and packaging requirements for PTR activity.

Warehouse & Logistical Productivity Improvements

• Implementation of Kanban & Just-in-Time supply to the individual line, thus reducing WIP, lead times and floor space utilization.
• Support Logistics layout designs and on improving capacity within the stores.
• Maintain and improve Kanban routes (cycle times) between Stores and production cells.

Project(s) Co-ordination

• Identification of TVM Project/Initiatives
• Motivation for Capital Appropriation Request for identified projects within plant logistics
• Lead industrialization projects related to inbound, outbound warehouses and external warehouses.
• Manage and develop design specifications for material handling equipment.
• Develop and manage project timing.
• Ensure that supplier/contractor adheres to project timing plan and conforms to agree invoicing procedure.
• Autonomous project(s) co-ordination

Finished goods quality assurance root cause analysis and continuous improvement

• Support in development and implementation of robust processes to ensure quality built into finished goods from production is retained until products reach customer.
• Documentation update and control for process adopted in Finished Goods Inventory.
• Documentation of root cause analyses via 5 why's, fishbone diagram etc.
• Solution proposals to identified waste or process concerns within Logistical processes at in production and all warehouses.
• Document improvement action – Lesson learned (A3)
• Institute process controls.
• Verify effectiveness of process controls.

Health and Safety

• Ensure and promote a health and safety conscious working procedure and a clean and safe work place at all times.

Skills:

• Knowledge of manufacturing process development, fixture design, tooling / gage design, and equipment design. Skills in Industrial Engineering include a working knowledge of the following:
• Leadership/supervisory skills
• Ability to facilitate groups in development/pursuit of a common task
• Results orientated
• Ability to perform in a team environment
• Good Organizational knowledge
• Deep understanding of lean principles and tools, or the ability to learn these lean principles and tools
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should be a competent used of MS Office software, CAD (Inventor/Catia) literacy min Autodesk 2D-3D (Advantageous) Knowledge of MS Project advantageous

Market Related Pay
Reports to CI Manager
Please Submit the following in one PDF Doc

• Matric Certificate
• CV
• Qualifications
• POE

THE ABOVE VACANCY WILL BE FILLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPANY'S POLICY ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY.

Faculty

Engineering

Department

Cape Peninsula University of Technology -> Engineering and the Built Environment -> Industrial & Systems Engineering

Campus/ Location

Bellville Campus - Bellville, Cape Town, WC ZA (Primary)

Job Type

Contract

Occupational Function

Academic

Number of Positions

1

Annual Salary Package (incl. Medical Aid rate based on principal member only)

To be confirmed

Advert Closing Date

14/9/2025

Job Purpose

• The ability to teach in undergraduate programmes
• Contribute to academic initiatives undertaken by the department to enhance learning according to the needs of the industry and the department's teaching & learning goals.
• Incorporate teaching & learning, research & innovation, and community engagement outcomes into the academic project

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Master's in industrial/ systems engineering, Engineering Management, Technology Management or related discipline. All base qualifications must be in Industrial / Systems Engineering.
• At least two years relevant lecturing experience in higher education and/ or two years industrial experience in Industrial Engineering.
• Must be registered with ECSA or willing to register within 12 months of employment.

NB: All Underpinning qualifications must be listed in the application.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

• Lecturing Industrial Engineering subjects at undergraduate level.
• Planning and executing all teaching and learning activities for Industrial Engineering subjects.
• Participation in Curriculum Development of new PQM.
• Develop learning materials for Industrial Engineering qualifications.
• Participation in Industry Advisory Committees & partnerships.
• Promotion of community participation and linkages.
• Involvement in and assist with any Quality assurance activities including professional body accreditations.
• Involvement in any other T&L and administrative activities as required by the department related to the post.
• Conducting research, research supervision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate projects and dissertations.
• Research funding applications both internally and externally.
• Personal & professional development.
• Assisting with WIL and planning of service-learning initiatives.
• Assisting with recruitment, admissions & marketing as is reasonably required by the HoD: Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Competencies

• Language proficiency: English and any other official language,
• Sound inter-personal skills,
• Good coaching & mentoring skills,
• Student focused,
• Strong teambuilding and leadership skills,
• Good planning & organizational ability,
• Computer literacy and programming
• To be able to cope under pressure.
• Organisation of hands-on practical projects exercises for undergraduate students in the Labs.
• Engaging with industry partners to provide students with real-life work exposure and experience.
• Initiation and development of subject material within the listed subject areas.
• Contribution to team research and teaching programmes and their administration.
• Assisting with departmental administration.
• Developing innovative research, teaching and learning methods and materials.
• Promotion of community participation and linkages outreach.

General Information

Closing Date: 14 September 2025

Enquiries: Ms Yandiswa Vuwani - Human Capital Department

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THUS

IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO

SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE

LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR

APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

A leading Retail Group is seeking a seasoned
Industrial Engineering Supply Chain Manager
to drive long-term supply chain efficiency, strategy, and infrastructure development. Success in this role will be underpinned by strong
competencies in strategic insight, helicopter view, directing, results orientation, drive, initiative, cooperation, team building, and integrity.
Based in
Northern Suburbs
of
Cape Town,
if based in other parts of South Africa, the client is willing to
relocate
the perfect fit candidate

Key Focus:

• Lead the
  design
  and
  management
  of
  DC infrastructure and capacity planning.

• Oversee and deliver
  large-scale Supply Chain Projects
  (CAPEX R500m+).

• Direct & inspire a team of over 10 Engineers.

• Align
  Supply Chain Strategy
  with business growth.

• Champion continuous improvement and technology integration.

Requirements:

-
Industrial Engineering qualification
(Degree/Diploma/BTech).

• 15+ years' Supply Chain experience, including retail.

• Proven expertise in
  DC infrastructure design (non-negotiable).

• 5-8+ years in senior leadership roles.

• Experience managing major CAPEX projects.

If you are a visionary Industrial Engineer with a proven record in
Supply Chain leadership and DC infrastructure
, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

GROW A GREAT CAREER WITH THE COMPANY THAT GROWS GREAT BRANDS

Join National Brands Limited (NBL) and be part of a legacy that has shaped South Africa's biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, we produce beloved brands like Bakers Tennis, Blue Label Marie, and Choice Assorted ; creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans.

National Brands Limited (NBL) is seeking an enthusiastic INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IN-SERVICE TRAINEE to join our NBL DURBAN TEA FACTORY, based in South Beach, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The successful candidate will report to the Site Industrial Engineer and form part of a team of key players in driving efficiency and innovation. Your role will involve hands-on work in our factory, where you'll acquire practical experience, utilise relevant tools, and develop your skills in report writing and presenting findings.

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

• Hands-on Experience: Engage in project-based work that offers practical, hands-on experience.
• Exposure: Interact with different levels of the organisation, gaining insights and learning from experienced professionals.
• Impact: See the direct impact of your contributions on the production process and overall success of the company.

What you will be doing:

• Dive into Process Methods: Improve and refine our process methods and effectiveness.
• Optimise Operations: Explore ways to enhance and streamline operational processes.
• Labour Analysis Projects: Take on exciting projects analysing labor efficiency and effectiveness.
• Capital Expenditure Projects: Contribute to impactful projects and investments.
• Quality Control Initiatives: Engage in initiatives and projects to maintain and elevate quality standards.

What you will need to be considered:

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Sciences or Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology with a major in Industrial Engineering
• A minimum average of 70% in the final year of studies

Additional Requirements:

• Experience Bonus: Vacation or part-time work experience is a plus.
• Effective Communicator: Ability to relate to and communicate confidently across various organisational levels.
• Flexible Availability: Willingness to travel between our factories and work overtime and shifts as our factory operates continuously and flexibility is essential.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt quickly and ask questions in a fast-paced factory environment, embrace different approaches and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Factory Enthusiast: Willingness to work in a manufacturing and factory environment with minimal office work.
• Report Preparation & Presentation: Communicate your findings and recommendations.
• Open-mindedness: Identify opportunities for improvement and suggest innovative solutions.
• Problem-Solver: Hands-on approach to finding solutions.
• Engineering Insight: Good understanding of Industrial Engineering.

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join our team, make a real impact, and contribute to the success of South Africa's favourite biscuit brands. Apply now and become part of a team that's dedicated to quality ingredients, and a touch of Bakers magic

Industrial Engineering External Sales Account Representative for External clients Gauteng | Permanent position Must be willing to relocate to JHB North if needed. Matric certificate. Relevant Sales or Engineering Qualifications. Must have gained 2-5+ years’ experience in Industrial Engineering as an External Sales Representative. Must be prepared to travel to External Clients/ Customers to bring in Sales. Must have experience doing presentations for the external Customer on products requested and closing deals. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets. Strong knowledge working experience doing sales for the engineering sectors, automotive, mining, and related engineering industries. Ability to understand and articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build and nurture client relationships. Results-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to meet and exceed sales targets. Sales experience in robotics this would be a significant advantage. Identify and pursue new business opportunities. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. Collaborate with technical teams to tailor solutions that meet clients’ specific needs. Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and market conditions. Achieving and surpassing sales targets. Providing exceptional pre-sales and post-sales support to clients. Effectively communicating the value proposition of the company. Own Transport and Driver’s License. Salary: +- R25 000 – R35 000 CTC - depending on experience in this vacancy. (plus, Company cell phone, company laptop + (will get commission if monthly targets are met) you could also receive a Company Car if you are requested to see External Clients. + Discretionary Annual Performance Bonus at the end of each year and overtime pay which will be discussed. Please note there is a Pension Scheme which will be deducted off your Monthly Net Salary. (Tax and UIF will be deducted from your total CTC Salary as per South African regulations.)