Production Engineer

The Production Engineer would manage all challenges related to production, to ensure that optimum production results are achieved with regards to quality, quantity and the environment. The Production Engineer would achieve this by using various principles of engineering, technology, manufacturing and management science.

Ensure that equipment and production processes run safely and cost effectively
Evaluate the production equipment and make sure that it’s as efficient as possible
Design, implement and refine products, services, processes and systems
Incorporate concepts and quality techniques
Work closely and oversee Technicians to solve problems with machinery
To be involved in energy consumption and controlling pollution levels
To handle and oversee quality assurance
Handle budgets and expenditure
Manage and optimize flow
Ensure project deadlines are met
Providing training and technical support to employees
Create computer simulations to model different ways in which production can occur
Compare different materials to find the right balance of quality, quantity and cost

Production Engineers may work in offices or on mine sites
Depending on the type of mine, they may work in the open above ground, or underground where it can be cramped
Production Engineers must be prepared to travel and will often stay away from home for extended periods. They may be required to live on site away from home, or to work on a fly in fly out basis. FIFO commonly involves flying in for a certain period of time whilst the Production Engineer would be on site, and then flying home for periods when they are off work
Production Engineers will often get to see the world as if working for large international companies, their job may involve international travel

Students interested in becoming a Production Engineer should take courses in mathematics and science in high school
A Bachelor’s of engineering degree is normally required
Production Engineers will generally have to have a strong background in maths and science, especially chemistry and physics
They will also have to have strong problem solving abilities, as well as the ability to communicate effectively
On the job training and experience of manufacturing processes are essential
Thorough knowledge of engineering, scientific and other technical issues related to production is required

Have excellent technical knowledge and electrical systems experience
Have a knowledge of statistic
Have very good problem solving skills
Prioritise tasks
Enjoy working with math, science and computers
Have an elevated sense of respect for safety procedures and regulations
Be able to embrace new techniques and technologies
Be able to work under pressure
Have a good work ethic and be goal oriented
Have a sense of adventure and be able to spend extended periods of time away from home

Production Engineers typically earn very good salaries
Engineers across the board in mining are renowned to earn high salaries, and Production Engineers are no exception
They spend many years studying, work hard and often have to make sacrifices in times of time spent away from their families, and for this reason it’s important that they are adequately compensated