Network Engineer

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:

Company Description

First Quantum Minerals is a leading Canadian-based global mining & metals company focused on the production of copper, nickel, gold & cobalt. As a company, we strive for continuous excellence and after 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, exporting millions of tonnes of concentrate from multiple countries to customers worldwide. Our operations and future developments span across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas, and we are globally recognised for our specialist technical, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to unlock value from complex mineral projects and deliver rewarding careers for our people, returns for our shareholders and sustainable development for the many local communities that host our operations. As we expand our operations, continue to provide metals to build the modern world and shift to a low carbon, greener economy in the years ahead, our mining projects will continue to require the best and the brightest talent to help us solve the emerging challenges of our time, shape our business and unlock opportunities for our future.

Job Description

Although our production and financial results are the engine that drives our business, it is the depth of capability in our people that will continue to determine First Quantum’s ongoing success. Reporting to the Regional IT Manager - EMEA of our IT division, this role will form an integral part of our Regional IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing our enterprise network infrastructure with a focus on Cisco technologies. You will ensure network reliability, performance and security to support business operations. The role will demand a high level of technical expertise in network hardware, software and protocols. The incumbent will work within a team of other technical and support staff and may be required to interact with external vendors and customers as well as internal stakeholders such as project managers and IT teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure and maintain Cisco network devices, including routers, switches and wireless controllers.
• Provide Tier 2/Tier 3 support for network-related issues, ensuring timely resolution of incidents and service requests.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot latency, bottlenecks and other network issues.
• Manage and support Cisco technologies such as Cisco ASA, Meraki, Nexus and Catalyst platforms.
• Perform routine network maintenance and upgrades, including firmware updates and patches.
• Document network configurations, procedures, and policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams on projects and system integrations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards and best practices.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as needed.
• Ensure the Group Standards for Networking Architecture and Technology are adhered to in our mining operations.
• Adds/Moves and Changes on a Cisco Unified Communications Manager.
• Deployment and Support of Cloud Manager Video Conferencing hardware.
• Troubleshoot issues related to connectivity between different devices on the same network segment.
• Support and troubleshoot network issues and coordinate with vendors.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation.
• Provide recommendations on improvements to network performance.
• Manage vendor/stakeholder relationships and SLAs relating to network services.
• Support other teams during new provisioning, ongoing maintenance windows, development work, with IP networking / sysadmin expertise.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to resolve complex problems.
• Plan for future growth by implementing scalable solutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Cisco certifications preferred (CCNP, or higher).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation.
• Experience with SDWAN technology.
• Understanding of how SIP trunks can be deployed in an Enterprise Phone System.

Experience & Technical Skills Required:

• Proven experience as a Network Support Engineer with a focus on Cisco networking equipment.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols and technologies (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, QoS).
• Experience with Cisco IOS, NX-OS, and Meraki dashboard management.
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.).
• Knowledge of network security principles and technologies (Firewalls, VPNs, ACLs).
• Experience with SDWAN technology.
• Understanding of how SIP trunks can be deployed in an Enterprise Phone System.

Other Requirements:

• Candidates must have the right to work in the applicable region without visa sponsorship.
• Mobile. Willingness to work and travel across FQM’s operations and locations worldwide.
• Flexible hours due to 24-hour support model.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in other languages highly regarded.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation.

Core Values & Behavioural Profile:

FQM’s culture is centred on fostering innovation, harnessing original thinking and challenging convention. We work Bolder, Smarter, Driven, Together. These 4 pillars are the keys to our growth in the past, the success of our present, and the foundations of our continued evolution and improvement into the future.

BOLDER

• Comfortable in an atmosphere where freedom, flexibility and challenging convention.
• Versatile and thrives in a challenging environment.
• Risk assessment ability and ability to balance competing interests of businesses.
• Strong ability to navigate complexity, operate with minimal bureaucracy and act strategically.
• Highly flexible and adaptable to fast changing priorities.

SMARTER

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improvement.

DRIVEN

• Aspires for excellence, setting high standards and taking accountability for performance.
• Thrives in high pressure, demanding, deadline-driven environment.

TOGETHER

• Calm, confident and collaborative with an approachable, professional demeanour.
• Willingness to perform work scope outside of the core responsibilities of the role.
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships and trust with stakeholders and vendors.
• High level of personal credibility and strong adherence to the highest ethical standards.

Additional Information

First Quantum Benefits

A dynamic, challenging and extraordinary working environment where safety is a number one priority.

Opportunity to develop within a growing company that is currently one of the world's top 10 copper producers.

Highly competitive base compensation & financial incentives (discretionary bonuses & Long-term share plan).

Leave options aligned with local market best practice.

Performance over presence culture & flexible working environment as per business requirements.

Diversity & Inclusion

At FQM, while at the beginning of our D&I journey, we are committed to embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion into our culture, company and practices with the aim of ensuring an environment of equity irrespective of race, gender age, religion, identity or experience.

Office or Operation’s Location

Cape Town

Hybrid work (3 office days per week).

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