Senior Industrial Engineer - Digital Transformation and Automation

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work support

Occasional travel to Limpopo/Polokwane

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer to drive digital transformation and automation across Polokwane and Limpopo. The role is remote-first, enabling collaboration with teams nationwide while supporting on-site operations when needed.

You will identify opportunities, build business cases, and lead the design, deployment, and optimization of automated systems with strong ROI. A focus on Industry 4.0, IoT and AI/ML is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 7+ years in industrial engineering with automation and digital transformation.
• Proven track record leading automation projects in manufacturing environments.
• Deep understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts, IoT, robotics, AI/ML, and data analytics.
• Proficiency with simulation software and digital modeling tools.
• Strong project management skills including planning, execution and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and assessment of opportunities for digital transformation and automation within manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies such as IoT, AI, ML, robotics and advanced analytics for implementation.
• Develop business cases and proposals for automation initiatives with clear ROI.
• Collaborate with IT, engineering and operations to design, integrate and deploy automated systems and digital tools.
• Oversee implementation of automation projects ensuring integration with minimal disruption.
• Develop digital models and simulations of manufacturing processes to predict performance and optimize design.
• Establish KPIs to measure effectiveness of digital and automation solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and training on new technologies and systems.
• Stay updated on Industry 4.0 trends and cybersecurity/data governance policies.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive manufacturing leader renowned for its adoption of cutting-edge technology, is seeking an exceptional Senior Industrial Engineer to drive their digital transformation and automation initiatives. This role is inherently remote-first, allowing talented individuals from across South Africa to contribute to innovations impacting our operations in Polokwane, Limpopo. The successful candidate will be instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and implementing digital solutions and automated systems to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and overall competitiveness. This is a chance to pioneer the future of manufacturing through technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and assessment of opportunities for digital transformation and automation within manufacturing processes.


• Evaluate and recommend advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning, robotics, and advanced analytics for implementation.


• Develop business cases and project proposals for automation and digitalization initiatives, demonstrating clear ROI.


• Collaborate with IT, engineering, and operations teams to design, integrate, and deploy automated systems and digital tools.


• Oversee the implementation process of automation projects, ensuring successful integration and minimal disruption.


• Develop and refine digital models and simulations of manufacturing processes to predict performance and optimize system design.


• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of digital and automation solutions.


• Provide technical guidance and training to teams on new technologies and systems.


• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing.


• Ensure all implemented solutions comply with cybersecurity best practices and data governance policies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on automation, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.


• Proven track record in successfully leading and implementing automation projects and digital solutions in a manufacturing environment.


• Deep understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts, IoT, robotics, AI/ML, and data analytics.


• Proficiency in simulation software and digital modeling tools.


• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and risk management.


• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.


• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across technical and non-technical domains.


• Experience working effectively in a distributed/remote team environment.


• Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive remote work support. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work at the forefront of manufacturing technology, impacting operations in Polokwane. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote position, with opportunities for occasional travel to Limpopo facilities if required. This is a leadership opportunity in a rapidly evolving field.