Production Technician

General Job Description:

The incumbent will fulfil the necessary requirements within the Manufacturing department to meet the objectives of maintaining maximum efficiency within production departments, products are assembled, packed, dispatched to warehouse. Task progress monitor & intervention / recording; inspections; coaching; evaluations; follow-up on problems & develop solutions.

Mission is to support and develop the Lean Manufacturing culture within the organization.

Role & Responsibilities:

Process & Production Engineering

• Apply statistical methods and mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staffing requirements, and production standards.
• Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to understand manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
• Plan and establish the sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts/products, promoting efficient utilisation of resources.
• Study operation sequences, material flow, functional statements, organisational charts, and project information to define worker functions and responsibilities.
• Develop manufacturing methods, labour utilisation standards, and cost analysis systems to improve staff and facility utilisation.
• Recommend methods to improve utilisation of personnel, materials, equipment, and utilities.
• Complete production reports, purchase requisitions, and compile material, tool, and equipment lists.

Quality & Reliability

• Coordinate quality control objectives and activities to resolve production issues, maximise product reliability, and minimise costs.
• Analyse statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives for finished products.
• Evaluate the precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment, as well as engineering drawings, and formulate corrective action plans.

Costing & Commercial Impact

• Estimate production costs and assess the impact of product design changes for management review, decision-making, and control.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Trade Test (Electrical preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an automotive industrial environment (Industrial Engineering / Maintenance support context).
• Proven experience in mechanical installation and maintenance on plant electrical systems and equipment.
• Broad working knowledge of controls, mechanisms, and both electrical and mechanical maintenance principles.
• Proficient in fault-finding/troubleshooting, basic design input, and optimisation of systems and processes.
• Experience maintaining CO₂ welding equipment and robotic welding systems.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and prioritisation skills.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in: [MS Office / CMMS e.g., SAP PM / Maximo / other – specify].
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment: self-motivated, takes ownership, completes assigned actions, and participates proactively in team activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willing and able to be on call 7 days per week and respond to ad hoc call-outs as required.
• Willing to work across all three shifts as needed, including time spent training production staff where required.

Core Competencies

Strategy

• Applies data-driven, structured problem solving to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Demonstrates sound technical and business judgement when prioritising and implementing solutions.

Talent

• Continuously develops own capability and supports skills transfer to production/maintenance teams.
• Coaches others on standards, problem solving and continuous improvement practices.

Approach

• Builds trust and works effectively cross-functionally (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Suppliers).
• Communicates clearly across all shifts; contributes to an inclusive, accountable team environment.

Results

• Delivers measurable improvements through Kaizen/CI and disciplined execution of actions.
• Takes ownership, drives urgency, and holds self/others accountable for outcomes.

Dana Spicer Axle South Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to an organizational culture that recognizes and values inclusion and diversity. The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.