Are you a passionate and ambitious engineering graduate eager to gain hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector? Defy Appliances, Southern Africa’s largest manufacturer and distributor of major home appliances, is currently searching for a Trainee Engineer – Production to join their team in Durban, Jacobs.
This opportunity is a stepping stone for aspiring engineers looking to establish themselves in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment.
About the Role
The Trainee Engineer – Production position at Defy Appliances is a full-time, permanent role designed for recent graduates. The successful candidate will work within the company’s Graduate Portal, gaining valuable industry experience in manufacturing and production. This entry-level opportunity is tailored for individuals keen on refining their technical skills, improving production efficiency, and driving continuous improvement within a structured engineering environment.
The role is ideal for graduates looking to apply their academic knowledge in real-world production settings. With exposure to key manufacturing principles, problem-solving techniques, and process optimization, this position offers a well-rounded experience in production engineering.
Key Responsibilities
The Trainee Engineer – Production will be responsible for several key functions aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and ensuring quality production output. These responsibilities include:
1. Line Balancing and Time Studies
One of the key duties of this role is to conduct line balancing and time studies. This involves analyzing workflow, studying time allocation, and ensuring labor standards are accurate. By optimizing labor utilization, the company can achieve higher efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved production rates.
2. Enhancing Material Flow
Material flow efficiency is essential in any production environment. The trainee engineer will analyze material movement, identify inefficiencies, and propose solutions that minimize waste and maximize productivity.
3. Ergonomics, Layout, and Assembly Improvements
Manufacturing environments require ergonomically designed workspaces to ensure safety and efficiency. The candidate will focus on optimizing production layouts and assembly lines to enhance worker comfort and overall productivity.
4. Conducting Continuous Improvement Studies
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. This includes assessing current processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing innovative solutions to streamline production.
5. Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
Manufacturing issues can arise at any stage of the process. The trainee engineer will be involved in problem-solving exercises, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurring problems.
6. Capacity Studies
Understanding production capacity is crucial in meeting market demands. The candidate will perform capacity studies to determine the maximum output potential of production lines, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.
7. Jig and Fixture Design
In a production environment, specialized tools and equipment are often required to enhance manufacturing efficiency. The engineer will be responsible for designing jigs and fixtures, ensuring they contribute to improved assembly speed and accuracy.
8. Man-Hour Calculations
To optimize labor efficiency, man-hour calculations will be conducted. This will help establish the most efficient allocation of workforce resources, improving productivity while reducing unnecessary labor costs.
9. Implementation of Improvement Projects
The ultimate goal of this role is execution. The trainee engineer will be expected to implement and execute improvement projects based on the studies and research conducted. Once improvements are successfully tested and optimized, they will be handed over to the production team for continued operation.
Skills and Qualifications Required
To qualify for this role, applicants must possess a BSc, B Eng., or B Tech in a relevant engineering field. Apart from academic qualifications, the ideal candidate should exhibit the following skills:
1. Self-Starter Attitude
The role demands a proactive approach, with candidates expected to take initiative, identify problems, and propose innovative solutions.
2. Analytical and Deductive Thinking
Strong analytical skills are essential for performing complex production studies and devising effective solutions.
3. Hands-On Approach
This is a practical role requiring engineers to work on the production floor, interacting directly with machinery, workers, and processes.
4. Team Player
Collaboration is key in manufacturing. The engineer will work alongside production teams, supervisors, and senior management to implement improvements.
5. Willingness to Learn and Teach
The ideal candidate should be open to learning at all levels within the organization. In addition, they should be eager to share knowledge and contribute positively to the company’s growth.
6. Strong Communication Skills
Clear and effective communication is vital for liaising with different departments, explaining technical concepts, and documenting findings.
7. Technical Proficiency
A good command of MS Office, AutoCAD, and SAP is essential. These tools will be used for data analysis, process simulations, and workflow planning.
Why Work at Defy Appliances?
As the leading manufacturer of major home appliances in Southern Africa, Defy Appliances provides a stimulating work environment where engineers can thrive. The company fosters a culture of innovation, learning, and growth, making it an excellent place for new graduates to launch their engineering careers.
By joining Defy Appliances, the selected candidate will benefit from:
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques
- Opportunities to work on real-world engineering projects
- Mentorship from experienced industry professionals
- A dynamic and supportive workplace culture
- Long-term career growth potential in the manufacturing sector
Application Process
Candidates interested in this exciting opportunity should apply before the closing date of 28 March 2025. Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days of application submission should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
For those who are enthusiastic about engineering, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, this Trainee Engineer – Production role at Defy Appliances offers an excellent starting point in their career.
The Trainee Engineer – Production position at Defy Appliances is an ideal opportunity for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in a leading manufacturing company. With exposure to production optimization, problem-solving, and workflow improvements, the selected candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency.
This role is perfect for driven individuals eager to apply their engineering skills in a real-world environment, work alongside industry experts, and build a strong foundation for future career growth.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering career, apply today and be part of a company that values innovation, teamwork, and excellence!
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