Solwezi, Zambia
1 day ago
Engineer, Control Systems

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

PURPOSE
Support the Control System Coordinator by ensuring the reliable operation of all S3 Process
Plant Control Systems, striving to maximise production. Supports continuous improvement
initiatives to enhance production stability with consistent control system performance. Safely
execute Control System Configuration, Commissioning, Maintenance and Installation work
according to approved design standards within a high availability environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures andlegal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human
resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the
role and responsibilities of the function.


Operational and Maintenance Oversight

Provide guidance and leadership to the Control and Instrumentation team, ensuring theFQM way and safety awareness messages are well understood, accepted, and practiced.Perform installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the S3 Control Systems to ensure optimal and continuous performance.Optimise new control system components in a high-availability arrangement as per the company and vendor’s safety and quality specifications.Ensure and document that all instrument drawings are up-to-date.Adhere to site change management processes.Be an active member towards the company's continuing asset management strategies.Report in detail on all incidents, activities, plans, costs, and labour.Ensure material stock levels are maintained of relevant equipment. Including regular revision of software and firmware versions.Minimise production losses by ensuring redundancy in the event of a control system component failure.Maintain up-to-date backups of the control system and readbacks of parameters.Work with minimum supervision in area of responsibilityIdentify the need for specialised training requirements within the area of expertise.Perform any other duties as directed by the Instrumentation Superintendent

.Safety and Compliance

Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within Control and Instrumentation operations, actively promoting a zero-incident culture.Develop standard safe working instructions, participate in health and safety initiatives, and conduct regular safety audits to maintain a safe work environment.Ensure availability and maintainability of all control systems.

Technical and Supervisory Support

Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support to maintenance teams, ensuring effective and timely resolution of complex issues.Supervise and mentor team members, setting performance expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous optimisation, continuous improvement, and professional development.Ensure the coaching environment is promoted through on-the-job engagement and encourage team and individual growth.To provide a reliable, total C&I engineering service in support of all activities that contribute to growth and profitability.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization

Manage safe, efficient, and cost-effective control and instrumentation engineering processes to meet short- and long-term production objectives.Provide the operational solution to control, monitor, and report process plant electrical and mechanical equipment performance.Regularly monitor equipment performance in the C&I environment, analysing data to identify inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions to enhance operational efficiency.Review equipment performance and component lifespans, proactively managing replacements and updates to avoid disruptions and reduce costs.Able to work under pressure while ensuring quality assurance.

Waste and Environmental Management

Oversee waste management and environmental compliance within the electronics engineering environment, ensuring all activities adhere to regulatory standards.Implementing improvements to reduce environmental impact.

Reporting and Documentation

Prepare detailed reports on equipment performance and equipment state, and recommend improvements for management review.Maintain updated records of all maintenance activities, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for future planning and audits.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Identify opportunities for systems improvement within the control and instrumentation environment, implementing best practices to enhance productivity and eliminate related interruptions.Champion new technologies and maintenance practices that align with Kansanshi Mining Plc's commitment to operational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree/Diploma in Electrical Power Machines, Instrumentation, or similar in Industrial Automation systems.Siemens PCS7 certification.Expert knowledge of OT in control and instrumentation systems.High level of proficiency in the VMWare virtualisation environment.Microsoft Office suite and Siemens Sinema, Sinec and PCS 7 Maintenance OS highly advantageous.Valid LV driver’s licence.Membership in the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and Engineering Registration Board (ERB) preferred.


EXPERIENCE

Minimum 15 years of experience in a mining plant environment working as an Industrial Automation,Control or Software engineer within the Siemens Suite of Control Systems.Excellent knowledge of Profinet, Profibus DP & PA equipment, network configuration, installation,maintenance, and fault-finding.Siemens PLC (S7-400H and others), Simocode motor protection relays, variable speed drive controls (ABB & Danfoss), & related communications protocols.Siemens Scalance switch architecture and/or other industrial network systems.VMware and cloud computing.IIoT, Data Management, and Analysis.Knowledge of SCADA systems, Citect SCADA systems will be advantageous.Knowledge of DCS systems, with excellent knowledge and certification in Siemens PCS7 systems.Knowledge of Siemens Gearless Drive Control Systems.Knowledge of expert control systems.Knowledge of OPC DA/UA and Industry 4.0 systems will be advantageous.Knowledge of CCTV systems will be advantageous.Good knowledge on the use of measuring instruments.Reading of P&ID as well as electrical drawings.Highly computer literate.Any leadership or supervisory training courses and experience.Fluent in English.


BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Safety-Focused: Committed to a safe work environment.Strong Leadership: Guides and motivates the team to perform at high standards.Collaborative: Works effectively with cross-functional teams.Quality-Driven: Ensures excellence in all activities.Technical Expertise: Skilled in troubleshooting and optimising equipment.Reliable: Dependable and accountable for team results.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work extended hours, including standby and overtime, as needed.Capability to work in conditions with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Proficiency in computerised maintenance management systems.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks effectively.Contributes to continuous improvement and asset optimisation initiatives.

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