Principal Industrial Engineer - Facilities Design

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Performance-based incentives

CPD/support for advanced training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role leads design and optimization of manufacturing facilities with a focus on safety, efficiency, and scalability.

You will analyze material flow, bottlenecks, and production processes, building 3D models and simulating layouts. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and oversight of capital projects are key aspects of the position.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of industrial engineering experience focused on facility design, layout, and capital projects.
• Strong expertise in process simulation, 3D modeling, and CAD software.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processing plant operations and safety protocols.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly desirable.
• Legal ability to work in South Africa and full-time on-site in Richards Bay.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and layout of new manufacturing facilities and reconfigure existing ones.
• Conduct analyses of material flow, bottlenecks, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop 3D models and simulations to optimize space usage and production flow.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to integrate designs.
• Ensure designs meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements for chemical industry.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines for facility design initiatives.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new equipment and lines.
• Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles in facility design and planning.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineering staff.
• Prepare technical documentation and present proposals to senior management in Richards Bay.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing entity in the chemical processing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Industrial Engineer to lead the design and optimization of their manufacturing facilities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role requires extensive expertise in plant layout, material flow analysis, and the integration of complex process equipment. You will be responsible for ensuring that new and existing facilities are designed for maximum efficiency, safety, and scalability. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of managing large-scale capital projects and collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and layout of new manufacturing facilities and the reconfiguration of existing ones.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of material flow, process bottlenecks, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop 3D models and simulations of facility layouts to optimize space utilization and production flow.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to integrate equipment designs seamlessly.
• Ensure designs meet all safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements specific to the chemical industry.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines for facility design initiatives.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new equipment and production lines.
• Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles in facility design and operational planning.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation and present design proposals to senior management and stakeholders in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on facility design, layout, and capital project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation, 3D modeling (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), and CAD software.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processing plant operations and safety protocols is essential.
• Strong understanding of material handling systems, automation, and industrial ergonomics.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience managing complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interface with diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly desirable.
• Must be legally able to work in South Africa and available for full-time on-site work in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of this role.
• Comprehensive medical aid.
• A generous retirement fund contribution.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Support for continuous professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.

This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the physical infrastructure of a major industrial operation and contribute significantly to its long-term success.