Group Principal Engineer: Control & Instrumentation (C&I) at Sabenza IT & Recruitment

About the position

We are looking for a Group Principal Engineer: Control & Instrumentation to lead the adoption of operational technology and AI across the group. This is a high-impact role for an experienced engineering leader who can bring industrial automation, IT and AI together under strong governance — improving how operations run while keeping systems secure.


You will shape the technical direction for C&I and AI, move from site-by-site solutions to integrated, federated systems, and set the standards that keep advanced control and AI both effective and safe.


The opportunity

• Define the short-, medium- and long-term technical roadmaps for C&I and AI across operations.
  
• Lead the governed convergence of traditional industrial automation, IT and AI architectures.
  
• Drive secure improvements in operational processes while reducing cybersecurity risk.
  
• Act as the group’s senior technical authority on advanced control, digital platforms and AI in operations.
  

What you will do


Strategic leadership
Set the technical direction for C&I and AI, shifting from isolated site interventions to integrated, federated systems that support the wider business.

AI and automation
Provide specialist consultancy on advanced control architectures (PLC, DCS, SCADA) and their integration with Digital Twins for real-time simulation and decision support. Bring deep experience in AI-powered industrial processes, predictive analytics and embedding AI/ML into process control.

Digital transformation
Lead the move toward low-code integrated digital platforms so teams across the organisation can build practical solutions on top of existing operational technology.

OT and AI governance
Provide oversight and assurance on cybersecurity controls for the OT and AI environment. This includes:

• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures and standards for OT and AI.
  
• Ensuring architectures meet evolving international standards and best practice.
  
• Leading security risk assessments on industrial control networks, OT infrastructure, AI systems and applications.
  
• Supporting incident response (containment, eradication and recovery) and contributing knowledge of disaster recovery and forensic approaches.
  

Projects and governance
Review proposed AI and OT capital projects to confirm that business cases and technical solutions are sound and meet governance requirements. Deliver quarterly and annual reports on AI and OT governance and convene the OT and IT working group steering committees.

Mentorship
Coach senior engineers and build a culture of continuous learning in C&I, data science and cybersecurity.



RequirementsWhat you bring

• BEng/BSc in Electronic, Mechatronic or Electrical Engineering (control focus). A Master’s or recent further study in AI/Machine Learning is a strong advantage.
  
• Professional Engineer registration.
  
• Minimum 10 years in C&I within mining or heavy industry, including a proven record of leading large-scale digital or automation projects.
  
• At least 5 years in a senior engineering management role.
  
• Deep experience applying AI to industrial processes, predictive analytics and integrating AI/ML into process control.
  
• Hands-on capability with Python, PLC coding and C++ for advanced control applications.
  
• Proven project management experience.
  
• Broad knowledge of HSE requirements relevant to mining and processing operations.
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making ability.
  
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder skills.
  
• Detail-oriented, self-driven and results-focused.
  

Why this role
This is a rare chance to shape how operational technology and AI are used at group level. You will influence technical standards, capital projects and day-to-day operations, while mentoring the next generation of engineers and reducing risk in a complex industrial environment.


 

Desired Skills:

• Control and Instrumentation
• AI and Automation
• Digital transformation

Desired Qualification Level:

• Degree

About The Employer: