Control & Automation Engineer (Expat)

SET Consulting; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,005,530 - 1,340,707; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Job summary

A well-established mining operation is seeking a Control & Automation Engineer (Expat) to join its Engineering & Maintenance team in Lunsar, Sierra Leone. This full-time role focuses on the efficient operation and maintenance of control systems. Candidates should have a degree in Instrumentation or related engineering fields and at least 5 years of experience in a similar position, preferably within the mining sector. Strong knowledge in PLC programming and SCADA/HMI is essential. Accommodation is provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Control & Instrumentation or Automation Engineer role.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and SCADA/HMI configuration.
• Understanding of control system architectures and cybersecurity principles.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and engineering best practices.
• Provide technical support during maintenance and commissioning activities.
• Lead fault finding and root cause analyses for automation issues.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI configuration

Fault finding

Breakdown support

Industrial networks

Education

Degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Control Engineering

Tools

PLC platforms: Schneider, Modicon M580, Rockwell

AVEVA Plant SCADA, Ignition

Job description

Control & Automation Engineer (Expat)

Location: Lunsar, Sierra Leone
Employment Type: Full-time | Site-based (Accommodation provided)

A well-established mining operation in West Africa is seeking an experienced Control & Automation Engineer (Expat) to join its Engineering & Maintenance team. This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of control and automation systems across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all control and automation activities comply with site safety standards, statutory requirements, and best engineering practices
• Provide hands‑on technical support during maintenance, breakdowns, shutdowns, and commissioning activities
• Maintain and improve the reliability and availability of PLC, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation, and industrial network systems
• Lead fault finding, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective actions for automation‑related issues
• Plan and coordinate maintenance activities with Operations, Projects, OEMs, and IT teams
• Supervise and support technicians, providing technical leadership and mentorship
• Manage control system documentation, backups, version control, and system governance
• Identify and implement system upgrades, obsolescence management, and automation improvements

Key Deliverables

• High availability and reliability of automation and control systems
• Safe, compliant execution of automation activities with minimal unplanned downtime
• Successful commissioning, upgrades, and optimisation of plant control systems
• Well‑maintained technical documentation and control system standards
• Development and upskilling of national technical staff

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Control Engineering
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Control & Instrumentation or Automation Engineer role, preferably in mining or heavy industry
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming, SCADA/HMI configuration and system commissioning
• Proven experience in fault finding, breakdown support and root cause analysis
• Solid understanding of industrial networks, control system architectures, and cybersecurity principles

Technical Skills & Experience (Advantageous)

• PLC platforms: Schneider (Control Expert / Unity), Modicon M580, Rockwell (RSLogix / Studio 5000)
• SCADA & Historian systems: AVEVA Plant SCADA, Ignition, or similar
• Industrial databases and SQL reporting
• Edge computing / high-availability platforms
• VSDs, safety systems, field instrumentation

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and mentoring ability
• Excellent communication and coordination skillsHigh level of planning, organisation, and accountability
• Willingness to work in a remote, site-based environment