AI Solutions Architect - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity fund

Vacation allowances

Professional development funding

Conference attendance

International assignments

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced AI Solutions Architect to design and implement AI-driven automation systems for industrial processes. You will translate complex business needs into robust AI architectures and collaborate with engineering teams, clients and stakeholders to deliver scalable AI solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in AI/ML, a strong architectural background, and proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) plus MLOps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS, Engineering, Data Science or related field.
• 7+ years designing and implementing AI/ML solutions in industrial contexts.
• Proven experience as an architect defining scalable system architectures.
• Deep knowledge of AI/ML techniques (supervised/unsupervised/deep/ RL).
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI services.
• Experience with data engineering and MLOps practices.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems, IoT is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and strategic thinking.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Ability to travel occasionally to client sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end AI solutions for industrial automation challenges.
• Evaluate AI/ML technologies, frameworks and platforms for projects.
• Collaborate with clients and teams to gather requirements and roadmaps.
• Lead technical design and development of AI models with scalability.
• Mentor development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay updated on emergent AI trends for industrial applications.
• Develop proofs-of-concept to demonstrate value of AI solutions.
• Communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure data security, privacy and ethical AI practices.

Skills

AI/ML architecture

Architectural design

Leadership & stakeholder management

Problem solving & analytics

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering/Data Science

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial technology solutions, is looking for an experienced AI Solutions Architect to spearhead the design and implementation of AI-driven automation systems in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves translating complex business needs into robust AI architectures, leveraging machine learning, computer vision, and data analytics to optimize industrial processes. You will work closely with engineering teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver scalable and impactful AI solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background in AI/ML coupled with exceptional architectural and communication skills, and a passion for transforming industries through technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect end-to-end AI solutions for industrial automation challenges, including predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization.
• Evaluate and select appropriate AI/ML technologies, frameworks, and platforms to meet project requirements.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and develop technical roadmaps.
• Lead the technical design and development of AI models, ensuring they are scalable, robust, and integrated effectively into existing systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI trends and technologies, particularly those relevant to industrial applications.
• Develop proof-of-concepts and prototypes to demonstrate the value of proposed AI solutions.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure solutions adhere to best practices in data security, privacy, and ethical AI implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in designing and implementing AI/ML solutions, with a significant portion focused on industrial applications.
• Proven experience as an architect, defining system architecture for complex, scalable applications.
• Deep understanding of various AI/ML techniques (e.g., supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning) and their applications.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services.
• Experience with data engineering and MLOps practices.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems, IoT, and related technologies is a strong advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to travel occasionally to client sites as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with your experience and expertise, plus performance incentives.
• A comprehensive benefits scheme includes excellent private medical insurance, a leading retirement annuity fund, and generous vacation allowances.
• Significant investment is made in employee professional development, including funding for certifications, advanced training and attendance at international conferences.
• You'll join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of industrial AI innovation in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , with opportunities for career advancement and impactful project work.
• Enjoy a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and ingenuity.
• Further perks include wellness programs and potential for international assignments.