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.

Key Responsibilities

This position will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal 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.

1. Operational and Maintenance Oversight

• Install, commission, and maintain Ethernet, Profinet, and Profibus network equipment, including patch panels, fibre optic breakout boxes (FOBOTs), cabling (fibre and copper), and media converters.
• Execute maintenance tasks using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to minimise downtime and enhance equipment reliability.
• Monitor Process Control System and Instrumentation networks to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Ensure compliance with patching schedules, prevent unauthorised connections, and maintain an up-to-date register of OTDR and Copper Verifier state reports and Splicing Schedules.
• Ensure robust inventory management of critical network components.
• Operate with minimal supervision while delivering on assigned responsibilities.

2. Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and actively promote a zero-incident culture.
• Develop Standard Safe Working Instructions, participate in safety initiatives, and conduct regular audits to uphold best practices.
• Ensure availability and maintainability of the Physical Network Layer in compliance with company policies.

3. Technical and Supervisory Support

• Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support to maintenance teams for resolving complex network-related issues.
• Act as a mentor for team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Ensure a coaching environment through active engagement with the team, encouraging skill enhancement.
• Deliver a reliable Control & Instrumentation engineering service, supporting all activities that contribute to business growth and efficiency.

4. Performance Monitoring and Optimisation

• Manage safe, efficient, and cost-effective Control & Instrumentation engineering processes to meet production objectives.
• Provide operational solutions to monitor and control electrical and mechanical equipment performance.
• Regularly monitor equipment performance in the C&I network environment, analysing data to identify inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct proactive equipment reviews and manage component life cycles to reduce operational disruptions and costs.
• Maintain high-quality assurance standards while working under pressure.

5. Waste and Environmental Management

• Participate in waste management and environmental compliance in relation to electronic network equipment.
• Ensure all electronic network equipment disposal complies with legal and environmental regulations.

6. Reporting and Documentation

• Assist with reporting on equipment performance, system state, and recommended improvements for management review.
• Maintain updated records of maintenance activities, ensuring data integrity for future planning and audits.

7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Identify opportunities for network improvements within the Control and Instrumentation environment.
• Implement best practices to enhance productivity and eliminate network-related disruptions.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending innovative solutions that align with Kansanshi Mining Plc’s operational goals.

Qualifications

• Higher Diploma or Diploma in Operational Technology (OT), Information Technology (IT), Networking, Software, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent discipline.
• Certifications in Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, or Modbus.
• Fibre Splicing and OTDR Testing Certification.
• Membership in the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and Engineering Registration Board (ERB) (preferred).
• Expert knowledge of OT, Control & Instrumentation Network Systems.
• Proficiency in Physical Network Layer, Microsoft Office Suite, Siemens Sinema, SINEC, and PCS 7 Maintenance OS (advantageous).

Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in maintenance operations within asset-intensive industries, including Control & Instrumentation.
• Proven experience in maintaining large-scale industrial automation network equipment in the mining and metals sector.
• Installation, configuration, and setup of Siemens Scalance switches.
• Expertise in Field Bus Systems, particularly Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus (DP & PA), and Modbus.
• Strong skills in field instrumentation networks, maintenance, fault-finding, and troubleshooting.
• Experience in the installation and maintenance of CCTV camera network systems.
• Knowledge of Telemetry Network Systems and Signal Converters.

Behavioural Traits

• Safety-Focused: Committed to maintaining a safe work environment and upholding high safety standards.
• Strong Leadership: Guides and motivates the team to deliver exceptional performance.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with cross-functional teams to drive operational success.
• Quality-Driven: Ensures excellence in all technical and maintenance activities.
• Technical Expertise: Proficient in troubleshooting and optimising Control & Instrumentation systems.
• Reliable: Dependable, accountable, and results-oriented.

Operational Requirements

• Availability for standby and overtime as required.
• Ability to work in industrial environments with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Contributes to continuous improvement and asset optimisation initiatives.