Remote Industrial Engineering Lead - Digital Transformation

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Stock options

Health insurance

Generous PTO

Professional development budget

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional Remote Industrial Engineering Lead to drive digital transformation across global operations. You will guide IoT, AI/ML, and automation initiatives, develop digital twins and predictive analytics, and lead a high-performance remote team across cross-functional units.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, strong communication, and experience shaping enterprise-wide production modernization.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant technical field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with leadership in digital transformation or advanced manufacturing.
• Deep expertise in Industry 4.0, IoT, AI/ML in manufacturing, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital transformation projects in industrial operations.
• Mentor a remote team of industrial engineers.
• Define and implement advanced manufacturing technologies (IoT, AI/ML, robotics).
• Develop digital twins, simulations, and predictive analytics for optimization.
• Establish dashboards and KPI monitoring for digital integration.
• Collaborate with IT, R&D, and operations for integration of digital solutions.
• Drive data-driven decision making and change management.
• Oversee cybersecurity for OT and budget/resource management.

Skills

Remote leadership

Industry 4.0

IoT platforms

AI/ML in manufacturing

Digital twins & simulation

Data analytics (Python/SQL)

Cybersecurity for OT

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

Python

SQL

AWS

Azure

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology and manufacturing conglomerate, is seeking an exceptional Remote Industrial Engineering Lead to spearhead their digital transformation initiatives. This fully remote position is critical in guiding the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, automation, and advanced data analytics into our operational frameworks. You will lead a team of talented engineers, setting the vision and strategic direction for modernizing our production processes and enhancing overall enterprise efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of digital manufacturing, IoT, AI in industrial settings, and lean principles, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills necessary to drive complex, cross-functional projects from a virtual standpoint. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing technology from the comfort of your home office, influencing operational strategies on a global scale and fostering an environment of continuous innovation. If you are a visionary leader ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of a remote-first, technology-driven role, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of digital transformation projects within industrial operations.
• Direct and mentor a team of industrial engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance remote work environment.
• Define and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including IoT, AI/ML, robotics, and automation solutions.
• Develop and refine digital twins, simulation models, and predictive analytics for process optimization and operational foresight.
• Establish digital dashboards and reporting systems to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to digital integration and efficiency gains.
• Collaborate with IT, R&D, and operations departments to ensure seamless integration of digital solutions.
• Drive the adoption of data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization through effective change management strategies.
• Oversee the development and implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols for operational technology (OT).
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources for digital transformation initiatives, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Champion innovation by staying abreast of emerging digital trends and technologies in the industrial sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing digital transformation or advanced manufacturing projects.
• Deep expertise in Industry 4.0 concepts, IoT platforms, AI/ML applications in manufacturing, and automation technologies.
• Proven experience in leading and managing remote engineering teams effectively.
• Proficiency in simulation software, data analytics platforms (e.g., Python, R, SQL), and cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, particularly in a virtual setting.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant organizational change and innovation.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, complemented by an annual bonus and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with an excellent 401(k) matching program.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, and paid holidays, ensures work-life balance.
• Continuous learning is encouraged through a dedicated professional development budget, access to online courses, and opportunities to attend leading virtual industry conferences.
• We provide a technology stipend for home office setup and maintenance.

Join a global leader at the forefront of industrial innovation and help shape the future of manufacturing in a fully remote capacity.