Remote Lead Industrial Engineer - Smart Factory Initiatives

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Industrial Engineer to drive Smart Factory initiatives in a fully remote role, spearheading digital integration, automation, and data analytics to create intelligent, efficient manufacturing environments across global teams.

The role requires 7+ years in industrial engineering with leadership experience, deep knowledge of Industry 4.0, IoT, AI/ML, PLC/SCADA, and strong cross-functional collaboration. You will mentor engineers and ensure safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial engineering with 3+ in lead/supervisor roles.
• Expertise in Industry 4.0 including IoT, AI/ML, and analytics in manufacturing.
• Strong background in automation, robotics, PLC and SCADA systems.
• Experience with data visualization tools and databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead Smart Factory projects and strategic initiatives.
• Design and deploy automation and control systems.
• Develop data-driven strategies for process optimization.
• Oversee IoT integration for real-time monitoring.
• Collaborate with operations, IT, and external partners.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics for smart manufacturing.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Stay updated with Industry 4.0 advancements.

Skills

Leadership

Industrial Eng

Project Mgmt

IoT & Automation

Data Analytics

Remote Team Mgmt

Cybersecurity ICS

Education

Master's in Industrial Eng

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA

Tableau/Power BI

Database management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering organization in sustainable manufacturing, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Industrial Engineer to spearhead their Smart Factory initiatives. This role is entirely remote, offering flexibility to talented engineers across the globe. You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative solutions that integrate digital technologies, automation, and data analytics to create highly efficient, intelligent, and responsive manufacturing environments. This is a leadership position focused on driving operational excellence through cutting-edge industrial engineering practices and shaping the future of intelligent production systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of Smart Factory projects and initiatives.
• Design and implement advanced automation and control systems within manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and deploy data-driven strategies for process optimization, yield improvement, and waste reduction.
• Oversee the integration of IoT devices, sensors, and digital platforms for real-time monitoring and control.
• Collaborate with internal teams (operations, IT, engineering) and external technology partners to achieve project goals.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics for smart manufacturing operations.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new technology implementations.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers and technical specialists.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout project lifecycles.
• Stay current with technological advancements and industry best practices in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role focusing on smart factory or automation projects.
• Proven expertise in implementing Industry 4.0 concepts, including IoT, AI/ML, and advanced analytics in manufacturing.
• Strong background in automation, robotics, PLC programming, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with data acquisition, visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and database management.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, adept at presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage remote teams and foster a collaborative virtual environment.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles in industrial control systems is a plus.

Benefits

This Lead Industrial Engineer position offers a highly competitive annual salary, targeting ZAR , reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required. As a fully remote role, it provides unparalleled work-life balance and flexibility. Our client provides a top-tier benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a substantial retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. A generous budget for professional development, including training, certifications, and conferences, is provided. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead groundbreaking initiatives in smart manufacturing from the comfort of your own home office.