Lead Industrial Engineer - Automation Specialist

Placements24

Gauteng

On-site

ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000

Full time

32 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid and family coverage

Provident fund contributions

International training opportunities

Career advancement within a growingOrg

State-of-the-art facilities and tools

Employee wellness programs

Company transport options or allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer with automation expertise to join our client in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site, senior role requires strategic leadership to design, implement and manage automated systems that boost production efficiency and product quality.

You will head a team of engineers and technicians, oversee automation projects from concept to deployment, integrate new systems with existing processes, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
8+ years in industrial engineering with 4+ years in automation/robotics.
Expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI and SCADA.
Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
Proficiency with Arena or FlexSim simulation software.
On-site, full-time role in Tembisa, Gauteng.
Automotive or FMCG sector experience desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions including robotics, PLC systems, and material handling.
Oversee integration of new automated systems with existing processes and IT infrastructure.
Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for automation initiatives.
Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for automation projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to automated systems.
Establish performance metrics and monitor efficiency of automated processes.
Train and mentor engineering staff on automation technologies and best practices.
Collaborate with vendors to select and procure automation equipment.
Ensure safety regulations and standards compliance in designs and implementations.
Drive continuous improvement in automation to boost productivity and reduce waste.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics (FANUC/KUKA/ABB)

HMI/SCADA systems

Arena

FlexSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Industrial Engineer with a specialization in automation to join their expanding operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior position requires a visionary leader capable of designing, implementing, and managing automated systems to enhance production efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing automation projects from conception through to deployment, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. This is a critical, on-site role that demands hands‑on involvement in the Tembisa, Gauteng facility. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, providing technical expertise and strategic direction to achieve ambitious operational targets. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's technological advancement and operational excellence. We are looking for a proactive individual with a deep understanding of industrial automation technologies and a passion for driving innovation in manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation solutions, including robotics, PLC systems, and automated material handling.
Oversee the integration of new automated systems with existing manufacturing processes and IT infrastructure.
Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for automation initiatives.
Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for automation projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to automated systems.
Establish performance metrics and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of automated processes.
Train and mentor engineering staff on automation technologies and best practices.
Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to select and procure automation equipment and components.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards in all automation designs and implementations.
Drive continuous improvement efforts within the automation domain to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Requirements

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 4 years focused specifically on automation and robotics.
Demonstrated expertise in PLC programming, robotics (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB), HMI development, and SCADA systems.
Strong understanding of industrial control systems, networking, and data acquisition.
Proven experience in leading cross‑functional project teams and managing complex automation projects from initiation to completion.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
Proficiency in simulation software for automation processes (e.g., Arena, FlexSim).
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to work full‑time and on‑site at our Tembisa, Gauteng facility.
Experience in the automotive or FMCG manufacturing sectors is highly desirable.

Benefits