Senior Industrial Automation & Robotics Leader

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead automation and robotics initiatives in Rustenburg, North West, ZA. The role combines on-site assessments with off-site planning to drive safety, productivity, and efficiency across mining and processing facilities.

You will evaluate processes, develop detailed specs, oversee project delivery, and mentor engineering teams while ensuring compliance with standards. A challenging, high-impact senior position in a dynamic industry.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in industrial engineering with a focus on automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary automation projects from conception to completion.
• Deep understanding of industrial robots (FANUC, KUKA, ABB), PLC programming, SCADA, and industrial automation platforms.
• Expertise in control systems engineering, sensor tech, and machine vision systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Experience in risk assessment and management for automated systems.
• Willingness to travel to Rustenburg, North West, ZA for hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and robotics strategy across the organization.
• Evaluate processes and identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency, safety, and throughput.
• Develop detailed specifications for automated systems and robotics applications.
• Oversee design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of automation projects.
• Collaborate with vendors and engineering teams to ensure integration and performance.
• Develop testing and validation procedures for new automated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams involved in automation projects.
• Analyze performance data to identify further optimization opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with advancements in automation and robotics in Rustenburg area.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Robotics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Industrial/Robotics/Eng

Tools

FANUC

KUKA

ABB

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead automation and robotics initiatives in Rustenburg, North West, ZA. The role combines on-site assessments with off-site planning to drive safety, productivity, and efficiency across mining and processing facilities.

You will evaluate processes, develop detailed specs, oversee project delivery, and mentor engineering teams while ensuring compliance with standards. A challenging, high-impact senior position in a dynamic industry.