Principal Industrial Systems Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Pension plan

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Industrial Systems Architect to design, develop and oversee advanced automation of industrial systems across manufacturing environments. The role demands deep expertise in PLC/SCADA, MES/ERP integration, IIoT, data analytics, and cybersecurity, with 12+ years in leadership.

You will collaborate with R&D, IT and operations to deliver scalable, reliable architectures.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in industrial systems design, automation, and architecture, with leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in industrial control systems (PLCs, SCADA), MES, ERP integration, and data historians.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet) and cybersecurity for industrial environments.
• Proven experience with IIoT platforms, cloud integration, and data analytics in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to architect complex, scalable, and resilient industrial systems.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience working within the South African industrial context, particularly in Gauteng, is valued.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of integrated industrial systems, including automation, control and MES.
• Develop system blueprints, specifications, and roadmaps.
• Evaluate hardware, software, and networking technologies for industrial use.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, best practices, and security protocols.
• Oversee integration with existing infrastructure and data flow.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and clients to define requirements.
• Provide technical leadership throughout the lifecycle from conception to deployment.
• Perform risk assessments and feasibility studies for proposed architectures.
• Stay updated on IIoT, AI, and data analytics and assess applicability.
• Maintain documentation for architectures and procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and architects.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and implement solutions.

Skills

Industrial Systems Architecture

Industrial Automation

IIoT platforms

MES/ERP integration

Cybersecurity for IIoT

Leadership

Project Management

Data analytics

Networking protocols

Cloud integration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Industrial/Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC

SCADA

Job description

About the Role Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking an exceptional Principal Industrial Systems Architect to join their innovative team in **Pretoria**. This senior role is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of complex industrial systems and automation solutions. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of industrial engineering principles, cutting-edge automation technologies, IoT, and data integration within manufacturing environments. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of our clients' industrial operations, ensuring scalability, reliability, and efficiency. This is a strategic position that requires visionary thinking and the ability to translate intricate business requirements into robust technical architectures. Working in **Pretoria**, **Gauteng**, you will be at the forefront of industrial innovation. This role involves close collaboration with R&D, engineering, and IT departments to deliver state-of-the-art solutions. The focus is on designing systems that are both advanced and practical for **Pretoria**'s industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of integrated industrial systems, encompassing automation, control systems, data acquisition, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Develop comprehensive system blueprints, technical specifications, and implementation roadmaps.
• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware, software, and networking technologies for industrial applications.
• Ensure system designs adhere to industry standards, best practices, and security protocols.
• Oversee the integration of new systems with existing infrastructure, ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and clients, to define system requirements and deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the system development lifecycle, from conception to deployment and support.
• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and feasibility studies for proposed system architectures.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in industrial automation, IIoT, AI, and data analytics, and assess their applicability.
• Develop and maintain documentation for system architectures, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and architects, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and recommend effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in industrial systems design, automation, and architecture, with a significant portion in a lead or principal role.
• Deep expertise in industrial control systems (PLCs, SCADA), MES, ERP integration, and data historians.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet) and cybersecurity principles for industrial environments.
• Proven experience with IIoT platforms, cloud integration, and data analytics in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to architect complex, scalable, and resilient industrial systems.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience working within the South African industrial context, particularly in **Gauteng**, is highly valued.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (medical, pension), performance bonuses, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on pioneering projects in **Pretoria**.

Join a team that is shaping the future of industrial automation.