Automation & Engineering Lead (Expatriate)

Company Details
Industry: Consulting
Description: We are tech powered Employee Outsourcing firm that leverages the right tools bringing the right workforce to your business
Job Details
Job Type: Full Time
Workplace Type: On-site
Qualification: Diploma
Job Experience: Mandatory
Job Location: Nairobi County, Kenya
Closing Date: Undisclosed
Salary: Undisclosed
Other Pay: Benefits
Job Category: Engineering
Job Description

Job Summary 

We are seeking an experienced Automation & Engineering Lead (Expatriate) to provide strategic and hands-on leadership within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role will oversee engineering operations across multiple production lines, ensuring optimal equipment performance, reliability, and efficiency.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, minimizing downtime, and implementing automation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall plant productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Plant Reliability

  • Lead and manage the engineering function across multiple production lines.
  • Ensure high equipment reliability and plant availability through effective maintenance strategies.
  • Implement best practices in preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.

Automation & Technical Expertise

  • Provide advanced expertise in electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and equipment issues.
  • Maintain automation backups and accurate technical documentation.

Maintenance Optimization

  • Drive predictive and proactive maintenance strategies to maximize uptime.
  • Improve key metrics such as MTTR and MTBF.
  • Maintain detailed maintenance and performance records.

Operational Performance & Efficiency

  • Support production teams to achieve efficiency targets (85%+).
  • Identify bottlenecks and implement engineering solutions to improve throughput.
  • Ensure minimal process wastage and optimal resource utilization.

Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement

  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for breakdowns and process failures.
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives including Kaizen and process optimization.

Spares & Vendor Management

  • Oversee engineering spares inventory to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Manage vendor relationships and support supplier evaluation and development.

Project Management & Plant Development

  • Lead engineering projects including upgrades, automation improvements, and new installations.
  • Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget and technical specifications.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.
  • 8–12 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing or beverage bottling operations.
  • Strong hands-on experience with automated production lines (bottling experience is an added advantage).
  • Proven expertise in automation systems, instrumentation, and electrical troubleshooting.
  • Experience in predictive maintenance and reliability engineering.
581 open positions on Semasocial right now · 6729 open positions in Nairobi County, Kenya · 26 posted in the last 7 days
CV Job Description Matcher See how well your CV matches this job and get tips to improve your chances AI Tool

This tool helps you see how closely your CV matches a job description. It also gives you simple suggestions on what to improve so you have a better chance of getting shortlisted.

Beware of Fraudsters!
Never pay anyone for job applications, interview tests, or job interviews. A genuine employer will never ask you for payment under any circumstances.
Disclaimer & TOS: We do not guarantee the authenticity of every single job posting and are not responsible for any fraudulent activity or misrepresentation by third parties. We are not involved in any stage of the interview or recruitment process and do not charge any fees from job seekers. For further details, please read the rest of the Terms of Service.