Lead Industrial Engineer - Process Automation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision

Pension plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dynamic Lead Industrial Engineer with expertise in process automation to spearhead initiatives in Stellenbosch. This senior role leads engineers and technicians, driving projects from conception through to successful implementation.

The position blends on-site leadership with remote planning and analysis for strategic scope, fostering innovation within advanced manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with a strong focus on automation and robotics.
• Proven experience leading complex automation projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of PLC programming, HMI development, and robotics integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of process automation solutions, including robotics and control systems.
• Evaluate automation technologies and vendors for alignment with strategy and needs.
• Manage automation projects with scope, budget, resources, and timeline.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and IT to integrate automation solutions.
• Develop and implement training for personnel operating and maintaining systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Automation

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics integration

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic Lead Industrial Engineer with expertise in Process Automation to spearhead initiatives in Stellenbosch. This senior role is pivotal in identifying, evaluating, and implementing automation solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, driving projects from conception through to successful implementation. This hybrid position requires on-site presence for critical hands-on work and team collaboration, complemented by remote capabilities for strategic planning and analysis, fostering innovation within their advanced manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of process automation solutions, including robotics, automated assembly, and control systems.
• Evaluate new automation technologies and vendors to ensure alignment with company strategy and operational needs.
• Manage automation projects, including scope definition, budget control, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and IT, to integrate automation solutions seamlessly.
• Develop and implement training programs for personnel operating and maintaining automated systems.
• Ensure all automation projects comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on automation and robotics.
• Proven experience in leading complex automation projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of PLC programming, HMI development, and robotics integration.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools for automation design and validation.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering excellent work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension plan and retirement savings options.
• Significant opportunities for leadership and professional development in cutting‑edge technology.