Production Engineering Intern

Join us as Production Engineering Intern

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to: Unit Manager/Operational Lead

Scope: Local

Location: Anderbolt Factory

Terms & Conditions: 12 months internship, Full Time, On-site

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to support safe, stable, high-quality, and efficient packaging operations through the application and learning of Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) methodologies, with a strong focus on packaging optimization. The Packaging Production Intern assists in identifying inefficiencies within packaging lines, supporting process improvement initiatives, and contributing to waste and loss reduction under the guidance of experienced engineers.

The intern will support monitoring of packaging line performance, collecting and analysing operational data, and contributing to initiatives aimed at improving line efficiency, throughput, and material utilization. The role includes exposure to line balancing, time studies, and packaging optimization techniques to enhance productivity and reduce non-value-added activities while maintaining product quality and compliance with packaging standards.

Working closely with operations, maintenance, and quality teams, the intern will help address day-to-day production challenges while developing foundational skills in process analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The role also supports innovation in packaging processes and contributes to improving equipment reliability and operational consistency.

This position provides an opportunity to build practical knowledge of manufacturing systems, industrial engineering principles, and packaging technologies, while contributing to a culture of safety, quality ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement—ensuring products are efficiently packaged and consistently meet consumer expectations.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet. Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support elimination of waste and losses on packaging lines using UMS methodologies (AM, PM, FI, Q pillars) with a focus on packaging efficiency and material utilization.

• Collect, validate, and analyse packaging line data (e.g., throughput, downtime, rejects, OEE) to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

• Assist in line performance analysis, including time studies, line balancing, and capacity optimization to improve productivity.

• Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of packaging-related losses (e.g., downtime, changeovers, material waste) and assist in implementing corrective actions.

• Contribute to Run-to-Standard (R2S) by helping define and sustain optimal machine settings, operating conditions, and standard work for packaging processes.

• Assist in packaging optimization initiatives, including reduction of material waste, improvement of pack designs, and efficient use of packaging materials.

• Support SMED (changeover reduction) and other continuous improvement activities to enhance line flexibility and uptime.

• Help develop, update, and sustain technical and operational standards to ensure packaging process stability.

• Participate in NVAA (Non-Value-Added Activity) reduction through workflow and process improvements.

• Assist in improving data accuracy (e.g., MMP codes) to ensure reliable tracking of losses and packaging performance.

• Support initiatives to reduce Material Usage Variance (MUV) by analysing packaging material consumption and validating standards.

• Identify and share best practices across packaging lines to improve consistency and efficiency.

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to address day-to-day packaging challenges and support continuous improvement projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• B.Sc. OR B. Tech Chem Eng / Mech Eng / Industrial Eng / Electrical Eng

SKILLS

Core Technical Skills

• Proficiency in WCM tools: AM, PM, FI, QC 

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and problem-solving 

• Data analysis and loss tree interpretation 

• Line balancing and bottleneck analysis 

• OEE monitoring and improvement 

Quality & Compliance

• Understanding of quality systems and QEWO process 

• Process control and corrective action implementation 

Documentation & Standards

• SOP and technical standard development 

• Machine setting standardization 

Training & Capability Building

• Operator training on AM/PM standards 

• Coaching and knowledge transfer 

Innovation & Change Support

• Trial execution and technical support for changes 

• Baseline setting and impact analysis 

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Team collaboration and communication

• Performance culture promotion

• Adherence to safety and HR policies

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country, and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered. 

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.

This is an office-based role in Boksburg and requires 100% of time attendance on site

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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