Overall Job Purpose
- The software engineer must be able to maintain existing control system software, be able to add new software functionality / devices, analyse control system problems and identify areas / systems that can help improve on the control system availability. Be proactive in continuous system and process control optimization.
Specific Job Responsibility
The specific tasks to be performed by the position holder will include;
Act as first responder to control room operation related problems,
Do troubleshooting that may arise from control system equipment failure or software modifications,
Assist in coordinating and executing the installation of new and retrofit control systems using SIEMENS PLC Controllers and I / O system,
Assist in scoping, coordinating and executing the design, development, documentation of advance control systems, DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA program code,
Assist in coordinating and executing the performance testing of operating systems, electrical or electronic communication system and inspection of equipment to detect potential defects
Update and do SCADA development and changes,
Configure system hardware, software and SCADA to match field related modifications
Provide technical direction and support to trainees,
Understand the control philosophy of the process plant,
Perform standby duties as required,
Adhere to site DCS standards and good practises
Any other task as may be delegated upon by the software Superintendent
Job Specific Competencies
Good knowledge of digital electronics,
Excellent knowledge of Siemens PCS7, Siemens TIA and Step 7
Working knowledge and understanding of network communication, including TCP/IP, Profibus DP, Profibus PA and Modbus systems; including installation and testing,
Understanding of system drawings, including GA’s, Wiring schematics, termination diagrams and P&ID’s (Piping and Instrumentation diagrams),
Excellent knowledge of STL, SCL, FBD, CFC’s and SFC,
Good knowledge of C, C++ or Visual Basic,
General knowledge in Osisoft PI Historian,
General knowledge in Advance control systems,
Good knowledge in OPC interfaces,
Strong technical skills related to instrumentation and control,
Must be familiar with industry bets practises (ISA),
Working knowledge for new control system installations and control system upgrades will be advantageous,
Must be able to use job specific hand tools,
Key Job Attributes
Excellent communication skills,
Self-disciplined, motivated and organized,
Organisational skills and the ability to prioritise your workload.,
Analytical and decision making skills,
Be able to perform under pressure,
Ability to perform troubleshooting on Automation and Control Systems will be advantageous,
Exceptional skills in the ability to prioritize workload,
Ability to work un-supervised on different projects simultaneously,
Ability to multi-task when executing different projects,
Experience required to perform in this job
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automated control systems, complex software suites, analog and digital control systems, and Instrumentation with the usage of instruments for data recording and troubleshooting
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or related qualification;
Registered member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ)
Ability to register as a member of the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia (ERB)
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Skills Required
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automated control systems, complex software suites, analog and digital control systems, and instrumentation
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering or related qualification
- Registered member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ)
- Ability to register as a member of the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia (ERB)
- Excellent knowledge of Siemens PCS7, Siemens TIA and Step 7
- Working knowledge of network communication including TCP/IP, Profibus DP, Profibus PA and Modbus (installation and testing)
- Understanding of system drawings including GAs, wiring schematics, termination diagrams and P&IDs
- Excellent knowledge of STL, SCL, FBD, CFC and SFC
- Good knowledge of C, C++ or Visual Basic
- Good knowledge of OPC interfaces
- Familiarity with industry best practices (ISA)
- General knowledge in OSIsoft PI Historian
- General knowledge in advanced control systems
- Working knowledge for new control system installations and control system upgrades
- Ability to use job specific hand tools
What We Do
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is a global mining company producing copper and nickel, as well as gold and cobalt. Our growing portfolio of operations and projects spans four continents and employs around 20,000 people. We are well-known for our ‘can do’ attitude and specialist technical, project management, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to develop and successfully run complex mines and minerals processing plants. We strive to go beyond the goals set by other companies. After 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers and we focus on providing a tangible benefit from everything we do for employees, investors and the many communities that host our operations. From our initial operation reprocessing tailings facilities in Zambia, to the recently completed giant Cobre Panama operation, we have recorded many significant commercial and technical achievements over the past two decades. By 2021, the combined output of our mines will be more than 800,000 tonnes of copper per year.







