Industrial Engineering Specialist - Automation

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and provident fund

Performance-based incentives and bonus

Training and certifications in autom*

Generous leave policy

Supportive and innovative work env

Job summary

Placements24, based in Welkom, Free State, is seeking an Industrial Engineering Specialist with a strong automation focus to drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing and operations.

You will evaluate current systems, identify automation opportunities, and manage the implementation of robotic and automated technologies, collaborating with R&D, engineering, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with an automation focus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial engineering with a significant portion dedicated to automation projects.
• Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and robotic system integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, control systems, and data acquisition.
• Experience with simulation software for automation design and validation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing and logistical processes to identify opportunities for automation.
• Design and develop automation strategies, including the selection and integration of robotic systems, PLCs, and other automated equipment.
• Manage automation projects from conception through to implementation and validation, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of automated solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including functional specifications, control system logic, and troubleshooting guides.
• Perform process capability studies and data analysis to ensure automated systems meet performance targets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automated systems and equipment.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend adoption where beneficial.
• Contribute to the overall continuous improvement efforts within the organization.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotic system integration

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing entity in the agricultural technology sector based in Welkom, Free State, is looking for an Industrial Engineering Specialist with a strong focus on Automation. This role is crucial for driving innovation and efficiency in their manufacturing and operational processes through the integration of advanced automation solutions. You will be responsible for evaluating current systems, identifying automation opportunities, and managing the implementation of robotic and automated technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, coupled with hands-on experience in automation projects. This is a pivotal role within a forward-thinking company located in the heart of the Free State province, offering a unique blend of challenging work and regional charm.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing and logistical processes to identify opportunities for automation.
• Design and develop automation strategies, including the selection and integration of robotic systems, PLCs, and other automated equipment.
• Manage automation projects from conception through to implementation and validation, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of automated solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including functional specifications, control system logic, and troubleshooting guides.
• Perform process capability studies and data analysis to ensure automated systems meet performance targets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automated systems and equipment.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend adoption where beneficial.
• Contribute to the overall continuous improvement efforts within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with an automation focus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to automation projects.
• Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and robotic system integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, control systems, and data acquisition.
• Experience with simulation software for automation design and validation is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with diverse technical teams.
• Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Medical aid and provident fund.
• Performance-based incentives and annual bonus structure.
• Opportunities for specialized training and certifications in automation technologies.
• Generous leave policy.
• A supportive and innovative work environment.