Principal Industrial Engineer - Digital Transformation

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 5,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Stock options

Remote-first culture

Home office setup allowance

Professional development budget

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead global digital transformation initiatives, integrating Industry 4.0 concepts such as IoT, AI/ML, and advanced analytics to optimize operations worldwide.

You will guide cross-functional teams, define KPIs, and mentor engineers while staying ahead of technology trends in a fully remote, international setting. This executive role offers top-tier compensation and a remote-first culture with strong development support.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering with a focus on digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and advanced analytics.
• Proven track record of leading and implementing large-scale digital transformation projects globally.
• Deep understanding of IoT, AI/ML, cloud computing, big data analytics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Expertise in process modeling, simulation, and optimization using digital tools.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote, global team environment.
• Strong experience with agile methodologies and change management principles.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices in industrial settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of digital transformation initiatives across global operations.
• Architect and implement solutions leveraging Industry 4.0 concepts, including IoT, AI, Machine Learning, and advanced analytics.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify opportunities for digital enhancement and process automation.
• Develop and deploy digital tools and platforms to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, R&D, and operations, to ensure successful integration of digital solutions.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the impact and success of digital transformation efforts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams on digital engineering best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending innovative solutions to maintain competitive advantage.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors and partners to ensure the successful implementation of digital solutions.

Skills

Digital transformation

Industry 4.0

IoT

AI/ML

Data analytics

KPIs

Mentorship

Remote collaboration

Change management

Cybersecurity basics

Education

PhD or Master's in Industrial Eng / CS / Data Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in innovative technology solutions and is looking for a highly experienced Principal Industrial Engineer to drive their digital transformation initiatives. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere while making a significant impact on our client's operational landscape. You will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge digital technologies, data analytics, and smart manufacturing principles into our client's processes worldwide. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in industrial engineering, a strong understanding of digital trends, and a proven ability to architect and implement large-scale digital transformation projects. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of operations for a forward-thinking organization, leveraging advanced technologies to achieve unparalleled efficiency and competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of digital transformation initiatives across global operations.
• Architect and implement solutions leveraging Industry 4.0 concepts, including IoT, AI, Machine Learning, and advanced analytics.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify opportunities for digital enhancement and process automation.
• Develop and deploy digital tools and platforms to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, R&D, and operations, to ensure successful integration of digital solutions.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the impact and success of digital transformation efforts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams on digital engineering best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending innovative solutions to maintain competitive advantage.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors and partners to ensure the successful implementation of digital solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and advanced analytics.
• Proven track record of leading and successfully implementing large-scale digital transformation projects in a global context.
• Deep understanding of IoT, AI/ML, cloud computing, big data analytics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Expertise in process modeling, simulation, and optimization using digital tools.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote, global team environment.
• Strong experience with agile methodologies and change management principles.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices in industrial settings is a plus.

Benefits

• Top-tier executive salary with significant bonus potential.
• Global health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Extensive professional development and conference attendance budget.
• Flexible work hours and a truly remote-first culture.