Bowler Packaging: Graduate Engineer Programme

Bowler Packaging is a multi-plant packaging manufacturer serving major South African brands. We’re a practical organisation that deals with diverse equipment, materials, and production needs, and we rely on strong engineering capability to keep improving how we operate.

The engineering team at Bowler works at the group level, deploying projects and systems across all plants. Bowler is expanding, and the engineering function is central to that growth. We are investing in smarter systems, modern automation, and digital technologies to enable the next stage of the company’s evolution.

We are expanding our Graduate Engineering Programme, to develop engineers who will shape Bowler’s future.

Position Overview

As a Graduate Mechatronic Engineer at Bowler, you will be part of a cross-functional, project‑focused team. You will report to the Senior Mechatronic Engineer, and will work primarily on automation, production, and digital systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver diverse engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop and integrate automation systems (PLC/HMI, motion, vision, SCADA, server‑side and front‑end systems, data, analytics)
• Machine builds and upgrades. Including electrical, mechanical, and controls.
• Implement engineering standards, documentation, and equipment data models.
• Deliver reliability projects aimed at modern maintenance and predictive approaches.
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments and disciplines.
• Produce high-quality, well-structured engineering work with strong attention to detail.
• Stay focused and methodical, under real production pressures and time-sensitive conditions.

What We Offer

Be part of a growing company and team that:

• Works on live production in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Projects have a direct, meaningful impact.
• Works across a depth of scope, from hands‑on, in-house development, to turnkey OEM integration.
• Owns projects end-to-end, from concept, through development, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement.
• Works across the spectrum of manufacturing engineering, including machines, automation, software, infrastructure, and systems.
• Backs good ideas and is actively investing in new technology.
• Works in a flat, accessible environment with direct interaction from operators to senior leadership across the group.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechatronic Engineering preferred.
• Engineering Degrees in related fields, will be considered where candidates can demonstrate cross‑disciplinary capability.
• Diploma in Mechatronics will be considered for candidates with exceptional technical capability and proven project experience.

Beneficial Skills / Exposure (Not Required)

• Automation & Control: PLC/HMI, motion control, fieldbuses, SCADA.
• CAD & Machine Engineering: Inventor (iLogic, simulation, factory), AutoCAD Electrical
• Software & Data: Python, Pandas, Git, APIs, basic frontend or backend frameworks.
• Machine Vision & ML: OpenCV, Jetson, applied models
• Robotics: Industrial robots, frameworks (Isaac, ROS2)