Brief Posting Description

The Senior Engineer Automation is responsible for leading the maintenance, reliability, availability, and performance optimization of automation, process control, and industrial digital systems across the Copper Concentrator Plant.

The role ensures the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), SCADA systems, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), industrial communication networks, historians, servers, workstations, and associated automation infrastructure through effective maintenance strategies, shutdown planning, reliability improvement initiatives, cybersecurity compliance, asset integrity management, and continuous improvement programs.The position provides technical leadership to automation personnel, supports operational excellence, and maximizes plant availability while minimizing lifecycle costs and production losses. The incumbent is responsible for the maintenance and reliability of automation and control systems associated with the Primary Crusher, Apron Feeders, Conveyors, Ore Stockpile Stacking & Reclaiming Systems, SAG Mill, Ball Mills, HIG Mill, Flotation Plant, Thickeners, Concentrate Filtration Plant, Slurry Pumps, Process Water Systems, Tailings Systems, and associated plant infrastructure.

The role works closely with Operations, Reliability, Mechanical Maintenance, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Project teams to achieve production, safety, reliability, and asset performance objectives while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and asset management standards.

Detailed Description

AUTOMATION & CONTROL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Lead maintenance activities for automation, process control, and industrial digital systems across the concentrator plant.

Ensure automation systems support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.

Develop and implement maintenance strategies to maximize system reliability and availability.

Monitor automation system performance and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

Ensure compliance with OEM recommendations, engineering standards, and statutory requirements.

Support long-term asset lifecycle management and replacement planning.

Provide technical guidance on automation maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution.

Support commissioning, startup, and ramp-up activities for automation systems and equipment.

DCS, PLC & SCADA SYSTEMS

Lead reliability improvement initiatives for DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, historian, and control system infrastructure.

Manage automation system architecture, configuration, and performance optimization.

Support troubleshooting of control logic, process interlocks, alarms, permissives, and control loops.

Ensure backup, restore, and disaster recovery procedures are maintained and tested.

Manage automation software version control and change management processes.

Review and approve DCS, PLC, and SCADA modifications.

Ensure documentation, logic diagrams, and system architecture drawings remain updated.

MOC & CHANGE GOVERNANCE

Ensure automation system modifications, upgrades, software changes, and configuration changes are managed through the approved Management of Change (MOC) process.

Review proposed changes to DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, historian, control logic, alarms, interlocks, and associated automation infrastructure for technical and operational impacts.

Ensure appropriate risk assessments, technical reviews, testing requirements, approvals, and implementation plans are completed before changes are introduced.

Coordinate with Operations, Instrumentation, Electrical, Reliability, Projects, and relevant stakeholders during automation change activities.

Ensure backup and recovery arrangements are completed before implementing critical system changes.

Support FAT, SAT, simulation, functional testing, commissioning, and post-implementation verification of automation modifications.

Ensure updated logic diagrams, configuration records, I/O documentation, system architecture drawings, software versions, and other technical documents are maintained following approved changes.

Participate in post-change reviews and verify that modifications achieve the intended reliability, safety, control-performance, and operational objectives.

PROCESS CONTROL & OPTIMIZATION

Support operational performance through advanced process control and automation improvements.

Analyze process performance and identify opportunities for control optimization.

Support tuning of control loops and optimization of process control strategies.

Drive initiatives aimed at improving throughput, recovery, plant stability, and energy efficiency.

Support implementation of advanced process control technologies and digital solutions.

Work closely with Operations and Metallurgical teams to optimize plant performance.

Job Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Electrical & Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, or related discipline is mandatory.

Experience:

Bachelor s Degree with 10+ years of experience in a Copper Concentrator Plant or related process plant with similar type of equipment is mandatory.

Minimum 8 years of experience in Automation maintenance and reliability engineering is mandatory.

Proven track record of successfully managing maintenance and reliability of Automation assets in large-scale mineral processing facilities.

Certifications: Candidates holding or pursuing any of the following certifications will have an added advantage:

ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Six Sigma (BB)