Job Description

Commissioning Electrical Technician at First Quantum Minerals

Company: First Quantum Minerals (FQM)
Location: Solwezi, Zambia
Site: Kansanshi Mine
Department: Projects
Section: Commissioning
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Mining, Engineering & Technical Services
Reporting To: Lead, Electrical Commissioning

Job Overview

First Quantum Minerals is hiring a Commissioning Electrical Technician for its Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi, Zambia. This opportunity is ideal for skilled professionals with expertise in electrical commissioning, high-voltage systems, switchgear maintenance, electrical testing, fault diagnosis, and industrial project operations.

The successful candidate will support electrical commissioning activities by conducting inspections, performing energisation tests, troubleshooting equipment faults, and ensuring electrical systems meet operational and safety standards. Candidates with experience in HV, MV, LV electrical installations, project commissioning, electrical maintenance, industrial automation, power systems, and mining operations are encouraged to apply.

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About First Quantum Minerals

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is a leading global mining company known for its innovative work culture, operational excellence, and commitment to employee growth. Through the “First Quantum Way,” employees are encouraged to think independently, solve technical challenges, and contribute toward achieving outstanding operational results.

Working at First Quantum provides valuable exposure to mining engineering projects, electrical commissioning systems, technical maintenance, and large-scale industrial infrastructure.

Key Job Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to support the safe and efficient commissioning of electrical systems and equipment during mining project operations. The Commissioning Electrical Technician will inspect, test, troubleshoot, repair, and verify electrical systems before and during energisation to ensure operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Inspection & Testing

• Perform inspections and testing of electrical equipment before energisation.
• Conduct electrical verification procedures during commissioning stages.
• Ensure equipment operates according to technical standards and project specifications.
• Verify electrical performance parameters through measurements and testing.

Electrical Switching Operations

• Carry out Low Voltage (LV), Medium Voltage (MV), and High Voltage (HV) switching when required.
• Follow all electrical isolation and switching procedures to ensure workplace safety.
• Support energisation activities across operational systems.

Fault Finding & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose electrical faults and rectify technical issues efficiently.
• Perform troubleshooting on:
  • Electrical switchgear
  • Protection systems
  • Electrical motors
  • Industrial power systems
  • Electrical installations
• Conduct corrective maintenance and repairs where necessary.

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Commissioning & Punch List Activities

• Participate in equipment punch list walkdowns to identify incomplete work and system defects.
• Record commissioning observations and unresolved technical issues.
• Assist in ensuring equipment meets operational readiness requirements.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete commissioning check sheets accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain technical documentation and defect reports.
• Ensure punch list items are updated and tracked until completion.

Team Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with:
  • Electrical engineers
  • Mechanical technicians
  • Project teams
  • Commissioning supervisors
  • Safety personnel
• Coordinate resources efficiently to maximize productivity during project execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Zambian electrical safety regulations and standards.
• Properly use electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in live HV, MV, and LV environments.
• Report electrical hazards and safety concerns immediately.
• Support workplace safety and risk prevention initiatives.

Education Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification
• Additional certifications in electrical commissioning, HV switching, industrial maintenance, or electrical safety will be an added advantage.

Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in:
  • Project construction environments
  • Electrical commissioning
  • Mining engineering operations
  • Industrial electrical maintenance
• Practical exposure to electrical systems in large-scale operational environments.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Successful candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of:

• Electrical commissioning systems
• High Voltage (HV), Medium Voltage (MV), and Low Voltage (LV) installations
• Electrical switchgear and protection devices
• Fault finding and troubleshooting
• Electrical testing equipment
• Electrical schematics and diagrams
• Project drawings such as:
  • P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)
  • SLDs (Single Line Diagrams)
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Electrical schematics
• Industrial electrical maintenance
• Mining electrical systems
• Electrical safety regulations and compliance

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Required Soft Skills

To succeed in this role, candidates should possess:

• Strong safety awareness and risk management mindset
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills
• Effective communication abilities
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail
• Methodical and organized work approach
• Time management and productivity focus
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments
• Proficiency in English communication

Work Conditions

Candidates should be prepared for:

• Overtime work when required
• Night shift operations
• Working in active mining and industrial environments
• Exposure to commissioning and energisation projects

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Not officially disclosed by First Quantum Minerals. Compensation is expected to be competitive and aligned with mining industry standards in Zambia, based on qualifications and experience.

Potential Benefits May Include:

• Career development opportunities
• Mining and industrial engineering exposure
• Technical commissioning experience
• Workplace safety training
• Professional engineering growth opportunities

Training & Career Development

First Quantum Minerals encourages employee growth through technical learning and practical exposure. Selected candidates may benefit from:

• Electrical commissioning training
• High-voltage switching procedures
• Industrial fault diagnosis and testing
• Mining engineering exposure
• Electrical safety certification support
• Project commissioning and technical development

This position is suitable for candidates seeking careers in electrical engineering jobs, commissioning technician jobs, mining technician careers, electrical maintenance jobs, power systems engineering, HV electrical jobs, project commissioning roles, industrial electrical technician jobs, and mining electrical maintenance careers.

Why Join First Quantum Minerals?

Joining First Quantum Minerals provides an opportunity to work within a globally recognized mining company where innovation, technical excellence, and teamwork drive operational success. Employees gain hands-on experience in large-scale engineering projects, electrical commissioning, industrial maintenance, and mining operations while building rewarding long-term careers.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the First Quantum Minerals Careers Portal.

Candidates can also register for job alerts through the company’s recruitment platform and follow company updates on LinkedIn.

Application Deadline: Apply as soon as possible. Early applications are encouraged.