Control Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Control & Instrumentation Engineer / Specialist to support the operations of a remote mining and processing plant in Southern Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for the commissioning, maintenance, optimisation, and improvement of the mines PLC and SCADA control systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

The role is highly technical and requires in-depth knowledge of Siemens PLCs and strong hands-on experience with Ignition SCADA (Inductive Automation). Previous experience in mining or heavy process plant environments will be a significant advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the commissioning, maintenance, and optimisation of Siemens PLC-based control systems.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Ignition SCADA systems, including screen development, historian setup, reporting, and alarming functions.
• Perform diagnostics, root cause analysis, and corrective actions on control system faults and plant automation issues.
• Ensure system backups, version control, and documentation of PLC/SCADA configurations.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to enhance process control, efficiency, and plant reliability.
• Implement improvements in automation, process control logic, and operator interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with site safety, electrical, and instrumentation standards.
• Provide training, mentoring, and technical support to site-based technicians and local staff.
• Support project engineering teams with design reviews, modifications, and upgrades to control systems.
• Stakeholder Management
• Ensure ongoing communication with Engineering Manager, Process Manager, Production Managers, etc.
• Have weekly head of section meetings, Information sessions and training sessions where required or new/change in processes.
• Ensure safety, legal and company policies are adhered to.
• Implementation a culture of best practice maintenance.
• Ensure safety, legal and company policies are adhered to.

Minimum Requirements:
Experience:

• At least 5 - 10 years' experience in asset management, reliability engineering gained within the Mining Industry (Fixed Plant)

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree / National Diploma in Electrical, Control, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5+ years experience in control and instrumentation engineering, ideally in mining, minerals processing, or heavy industry.
• Proven experience with Siemens PLC systems (S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200, or legacy S7-300/400).
• Hands-on expertise with Ignition SCADA (Inductive Automation), including commissioning, configuration, and optimisation.
• Experience with industrial instrumentation (flow, pressure, level, temperature, and control valves).
• Strong knowledge of process plant automation and commissioning methodologies.
• Previous remote site or international mining experience advantageous.
• Fluent in English

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in automation and process control.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• High safety and compliance awareness.
• Ability to work independently in remote site conditions.
• Proactive mindset for system improvements and optimisation.