Volkswagen (VW) 4 x Temporary Pilot Hall Engineer -Body Product
Position Summary
Company: Volkswagen Group South Africa
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing
Job Category: Engineering / Production
Location: Kariega, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Listing Reference: Temporary Pilot Hall Engineer – Body Product (RE-ADVERTISE)
Closing Date: Not specified
Introduction
The automotive world is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, and Volkswagen is at the forefront of this change. With vehicle production across 14 countries and sales reaching over 150 markets globally, Volkswagen is a global icon of mobility and innovation. The brand’s future focus revolves around electromobility, smart mobility, and digital transformation. With this momentum, Volkswagen South Africa invites applications for the position of 4 x Temporary Pilot Hall Engineer – Body Product, located in the dynamic production environment of Kariega. This is a re-advertised opportunity for talented and qualified individuals who are passionate about contributing to the future of automotive manufacturing.
Job Description
This role exists within the Process Planning production team and centers on the critical phase of vehicle development — the Pre-Series Build. The selected candidates will support the transition of new models and yearly updates into mainstream production. It involves ensuring that all vehicles align with stringent quality standards and customer expectations from inception through their lifecycle. Working within the Pilot Hall, the engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the seamless integration of new designs, technologies, and processes into series production.
Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience:
- Educational Qualifications:
- National N Diploma or National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Qualified Toolmaker (Tool-, Jig- and Die-maker)
- Professional Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of technical experience in the automotive manufacturing industry
- 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience with Jigs and Fixtures or precision measuring within such systems
- Previous exposure to vehicle production processes and dimensional control
- Technical Proficiency:
- Excellent understanding of technical and fixture drawings
- Competence in Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
- Familiarity with CATIA, CAD, and Hyper KVS will be an advantage
- German language proficiency would be beneficial
Role Responsibility
The Temporary Pilot Hall Engineer will undertake a variety of tasks critical to the implementation of new vehicle models and ensuring their quality and production readiness. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting cross-functional departments during pre-series builds
- Facilitating functional and dimensional milestones during the launch phase
- Ensuring Meisterbock acceptance and leading surface quality improvement initiatives
- Monitoring and guiding corrosion milestone achievements
- Supporting series production and quality assurance teams to meet key deliverables
- Coordinating and conducting fitment trials to identify build problems and resolve them
- Conducting root cause analysis on audit-related issues and implementing corrective actions
- Assisting with the design and integration of new or modified facilities and gauges
- Creating and presenting detailed reports and feedback for Management Reviews
- Managing problem sheets from initiation to closure
- Maintaining assembly stability and coordinating the resolution of non-conformities (Parts, Facilities, Process)
- Engaging in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing body production processes
Skills & Attributes
The successful candidates must demonstrate a combination of technical and interpersonal competencies that allow them to excel in a high-pressure, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Required attributes include:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an innovative approach
- Excellent report-writing capabilities and attention to detail
- Ability to interpret and work from detailed technical and CAD drawings
- Good verbal and written communication skills; able to interact across all levels of the organization
- Team collaboration skills, with the flexibility to support multiple departments and projects simultaneously
- Willingness to work overtime on short notice, including shift work and call-out/standby availability
- Passion for automotive engineering and a commitment to continuous learning and development
Conclusion
This role offers an exceptional opportunity to work in a cutting-edge environment at Volkswagen South Africa, where innovation meets production. The 4 x Temporary Pilot Hall Engineer – Body Product positions are ideal for professionals with a hands-on background in mechanical engineering and jig & fixture processes who are ready to play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. From working on pre-series builds to ensuring top-tier quality across production lines, this position offers challenges, collaboration, and career growth in a globally renowned brand.
