Lead Industrial Engineer - Automation Focus

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Global health coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development allowance

Opportunity to shape automation in a领先

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer with a strong focus on automation to drive the design, implementation and optimization of automated systems across manufacturing and logistics environments.

You will evaluate new automation technologies, develop business cases, and manage projects from conception to deployment while mentoring junior engineers and coordinating with vendors and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering, with at least 5 years in automation and systems integration.
• Proven track record leading and delivering complex automation projects.
• Deep knowledge of robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI design and MES.
• Strong project management with Agile or Waterfall experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation technology assessment and selection (robotics, AGVs, process control).
• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, and timelines for automation projects.
• Oversee design, installation and commissioning of automated systems with existing infra.
• Conduct ROI analyses and build business cases for automation investments.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors and partners throughout projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Robotic systems

PLC programming

HMI design

MES

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Industrial Engineer with a strong focus on automation to spearhead initiatives in their Pretoria-based operations. This senior role involves leading the design, implementation, and optimization of automated systems within manufacturing and logistics environments. You will be responsible for evaluating new automation technologies, developing business cases, and managing projects from conception through to successful deployment. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of deep industrial engineering knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology to achieve significant gains in productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. This is a key leadership position impacting the future of our manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and selection of appropriate automation technologies (e.g., robotics, automated guided vehicles, process control systems).
• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, and timelines for automation implementation projects.
• Oversee the design, installation, and commissioning of automated systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
• Conduct ROI analyses and build business cases to justify investments in automation initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, external vendors, and integration partners throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams involved in automation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering , Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering, with at least 5 years focused on automation and systems integration .
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex automation projects.
• Deep understanding of robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI design, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Strong project management skills, including experience with Agile or Waterfall methodologies.
• Excellent strategic thinking, decision-making, and stakeholder management abilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Comprehensive global health coverage and robust retirement plan.
• Generous allowance for professional development and conference attendance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of automation in a leading industrial organization.