Production Engineer (Citrusdal)

Our client has an exciting vacancy for a Production Engineer to join their dynamic team at the Citrusdal Facility in the Western Cape. In this permanent role, you'll manage and optimize production using mechanical engineering principles, ensuring reliable and efficient operations. You'll lead a production team to deliver on-time output, uphold quality standards, prioritize health and safety, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities Oversee daily operations to hit targets for output volume, yield, quality, deadlines, and costs. Guarantee that all rearing and processing follows standard procedures, protocols, and regulations. Track and evaluate key production performance data. Spot production hurdles and waste; roll out enhancements to processes and layouts. Back scale-up efforts with calculations, testing pilots, and results validation before greenlighting. Partner with the Maintenance Manager to maximize equipment uptime, reliability, and efficiency. Suggest and execute updates to processes, machinery, or facility designs. Organize and lead preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance strategies. Perform root cause investigations for issues and apply fixes to prevent recurrence. Maintain compliant waste management and disposal aligned with environmental rules. Guide, mentor, and grow the production team. Handle scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, and tracking team performance. Deliver training on procedures, machinery operation, safety protocols, hygiene, and health standards. Manage staff performance issues, attendance, and discipline according to company guidelines. Assist with audits from internal teams, clients, or regulators; resolve any required actions. Champion safety practices and model them daily. Contribute engineering expertise to capital projects, execution, and improvement programs. Work closely across departments like R&D, quality assurance, maintenance, and logistics. Requirements Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related. 3+ years experience in a production, manufacturing, agricultural environment. Supervisory experience. Experience with Pneumatic product conveying and temperature effects and controls. Experience with Cold Room. Experience with product particle separation systems and equipment.