Department: Process Engineering
Location: Prospecton
Contract type: Permanent
Ramsay Engineering would like to offer the opportunity to all employees who meet the requirements for the position that is available to apply.
Main purpose:
The Junior Process Engineering Robot Technician is responsible for supporting, optimizing, and continuously improving robotic welding processes. This role includes programming, fault-finding, conducting process compliance checks, contributing to PFMEAs, and ensuring that all process-related systems function reliably and efficiently in alignment with IATF 16949 standards, Ramsay standards, customer specific requirements and other international standards adopted by Ramsay.
This is a process-focused role. The technician ensures process robustness, documentation integrity, operator support, and continuous improvement through engineering principles, data analysis, and hands-on involvement with production.
Job Objectives:
- Fault Finding and Process Setup
- Program and optimize robotic welding sequences for quality and efficiency.
- Set and adjust welding parameters (speed, current, voltage) to ensure consistent weld penetration and strength.
- Conduct fault-finding on welding process issues (e.g., weld spatter, heat-affected zones, cracking).
- Coordinate welding trials and document findings for process validation.
- Setup and conduct jig adjustments.
- Resolution of minor breakdowns.
- Process Monitoring and Daily Operational Support
- Complete and analyse daily process check sheets (Poka-yoke validation, jig checks, critical parameter verification).
- Monitor key process parameters and intervene when deviations occur.
- Support production in resolving technical process issues in real time.
- Perform routine confirmation audits for process adherence and compliance with work instructions.
- Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving
- Analyse production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, or defects.
- Apply problem-solving tools (A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to root cause process issues.
- Use statistical processes such as SPC to monitor process stability and performance.
- Implement improvement actions using lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, TQM).
- Justify changes with statistical and financial analysis where required.
- Documentation and Standardization
- Maintain and update Process Instructions (PI), Work Instructions (PWI), PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Process Check Sheets.
- Document and archive all robot program changes on the internal document management system for approval with version control and change rationale.
- Support the development and deployment of standard work procedures.
- Feed process change updates into PFMEA and related quality systems.
- Follow internal change management systems when implementing a change.
- Training, Auditing, and Operator Support
- Conduct line-side training for robot operators and shift leaders on process changes and standard work.
- Verify operator compliance to process standards during shift audits.
- Act as a process mentor for junior technicians, interns, etc.
- Projects
- Support with integration of new projects into the business.
- Create and manage timing plans.
- Follow strict adherence to customer and internal milestones.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- N6 / National Diploma / B-Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering.
- 2+ years’ hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment involving robotic welding.
- Proficiency in robotic programming (e.g., Yaskawa & Fanuc preferable)
- Strong understanding of welding process fundamentals and troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with quality systems such as IATF 16949, Control Plans, and PFMEAs.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and weld symbols.
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills (MS Office, CAD software)
- Experience with continuous improvement tools (5S, A3, Kaizen, Lean).
- PLC programming and fault finding would be advantageous.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Technical Aptitude: Strong understanding of robotic systems, welding parameters, sensors, and process control.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret process data and diagnose root causes.
- Communication: Capable of conveying complex technical information clearly to operators and engineers.
- Collaboration: Works well with quality, tooling, maintenance, and production teams.
- Documentation: Precise and organized with process documentation and reporting.
- Initiative: Drives improvements proactively and champions technical standards on the shop floor.
Work Environment
- Primarily factory floor-based with some office responsibilities.
- Exposure to welding equipment, fumes, heat, and moving machinery.
- May involve standing for extended periods, lifting jigs, or inspecting inside fixtures.
- Required to wear appropriate PPE at all times.
Preference will be given to employees from the designated groups in line with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998 and any amendments thereto, Ramsay Engineering Internal Recruitment Policy as well as the Employment Equity Plan.
NB: If applicants have not received a response two weeks after the closing date, please accept that your applications have not been successful.