Principal Automation & Robotics Architect - Hybrid Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a Centurion-based manufacturing conglomerate in finding a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead automation and robotics implementations. The role combines strategic planning with on-site execution in Centurion, Gauteng, and offers hybrid work flexibility.

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering with at least 10 years of experience in automation, robotics, and smart factory technologies.

Qualifications

• Requires Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in industrial engineering with focus on automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Proven track record leading large-scale automation projects from concept to completion.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial robotics (FANUC, KUKA, ABB), PLCs, SCADA, and IoT in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the strategic roadmap for automation and robotics across facilities.
• Design, specify, and commission robotic work cells and AGVs.
• Evaluate new automation tech and ROI for operations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and integrators to deliver complex projects.
• Oversee implementation, validation, and optimization of automated systems with existing infra.
• Develop safety protocols for automated environments and mentor junior engineers.
• Provide technical leadership and drive continuous improvement via data analysis.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Industry 4.0

Education

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering

Master's in Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FANUC robotics

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

PLC programming

SCADA systems

IoT in manufacturing

RoboDK

Process Simulate

Job description

Placements24 is assisting a Centurion-based manufacturing conglomerate in finding a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead automation and robotics implementations. The role combines strategic planning with on-site execution in Centurion, Gauteng, and offers hybrid work flexibility.

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering with at least 10 years of experience in automation, robotics, and smart factory technologies.