Senior Industrial Engineer - Automation Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Ongoing training and certifications

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer with a specialization in automation to design, implement, and optimise automated systems in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead projects from concept to execution, collaborating with R&D, engineering, and production teams to integrate advanced automation solutions into manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial engineering with a strong automation and robotics background, PLC/HMI programming, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field with strong automation focus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing systems and processes.

Skills

Automation

Robotics

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA/MES

Lean & Six Sigma

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Industrial robots (FANUC/KUKA/ABB)

HMI software

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Industrial Engineer with a specialization in automation to join their innovative facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This critical role will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and processes to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial automation technologies, robotics, and control systems, coupled with strong industrial engineering fundamentals. You will lead projects from concept to execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate cutting-edge automation solutions into the manufacturing environment. This is a unique opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and drive significant advancements in our client's production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing systems and processes.
• Evaluate existing production lines and identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Specify, select, and integrate robotic systems, PLCs, HMI, and other automation hardware and software.
• Develop control logic and programming for automated machinery.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for automation projects.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and validation of automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automated systems to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production teams on new product introductions and process enhancements.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and operating procedures.
• Train maintenance and operational staff on the care and operation of automated systems.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a strong automation focus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant portion focused on industrial automation and robotics.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI development.
• Experience with industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB) and their programming.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, MES, and data acquisition.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a generous retirement fund contribution. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development include access to specialized training, industry certifications, and internal advancement programs. Employees benefit from working in a cutting-edge facility, tackling challenging automation projects, and collaborating with a team of highly skilled professionals. The company values innovation and provides a stimulating work environment with ample scope for career growth.