Engineer – Technology Jobs in Zambia (Solwezi)

Job Description

Company: First Quantum Minerals
Location: Solwezi, Zambia
Job Title: Engineer – Operational Technology
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Mining / Smelter Operations / Industrial Automation / ICT Engineering
Education Level: Degree in Information Technology or Related Field
Professional Requirement: ERB Registered Engineer
Experience Required: Minimum 10 Years

Job Overview

First Quantum Minerals is seeking a highly skilled Operational Technology Engineer to support safe, efficient, and profitable smelter operations in Solwezi, Zambia. The role focuses on designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing advanced industrial automation, control systems, ICT integration, and cybersecurity frameworks within a high-performance mining environment.

Candidates interested in mining automation, OT engineering, and industrial ICT careers across Africa may also explore jobs in Zambia for updated engineering and technology roles in mining and industry.

Job Purpose

The Engineer – Operational Technology is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of all operational technology systems, including SCADA, DCS, PLC systems, industrial networking, and integrated ICT platforms. The role supports continuous improvement, system integration, cybersecurity compliance, and operational excellence in smelter operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities (Job Description)

1. Operational Technology System Design & Implementation

The Engineer will:

• Design and implement operational technology systems for smelter operations.
• Work with Siemens PCS7, WinCC SCADA, DCS/PLC systems and interfaced equipment.
• Optimize systems including:
  • Anode strapping systems
  • Anode scanning systems
  • OSI PI database systems
  • Semtech systems
  • Weighing systems

2. ICT Integration & Data Systems Management

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring seamless data flow between OT and ICT systems.
• Maintaining interoperability across industrial platforms.
• Supporting integration of databases and operational systems.

3. Cybersecurity & System Protection

The role involves:

• Implementing and maintaining OT cybersecurity systems.
• Aligning with Group ICT security policies and standards.
• Applying industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as ISA 95 and IEC 62443.

Professionals seeking advanced OT, cybersecurity, and industrial automation roles may also visit jobs in Somalia for additional engineering and ICT opportunities across Africa.

4. Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Fault Analysis

The Engineer will:

• Maintain OT hardware and software systems.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Manage software applications and license administration.
• Ensure system uptime and reliability.

5. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Responsibilities include:

• Researching and implementing new automation technologies.
• Improving system performance and operational efficiency.
• Supporting approved innovation initiatives in smelter operations.

6. Documentation & Technical Reporting

The role involves:

• Maintaining OT documentation including:
  • Network topology diagrams
  • Configuration records
  • System architecture drawings
• Ensuring accurate technical reporting and updates.

7. Communication & Stakeholder Collaboration

The Engineer will:

• Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, managers, and vendors.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Engage with contractors and external service providers.

8. Project Management & System Lifecycle

Responsibilities include:

• Managing OT-related projects within smelter operations.
• Tracking hardware lifecycle and replacement planning.
• Ensuring successful project execution within scope and budget.

9. Cost & Asset Management

The role involves:

• Managing OT system costs within operational budgets.
• Planning materials, tools, and spare parts requirements.
• Managing inventory of OT equipment and components.

10. Safety, Risk & Compliance

The Engineer will:

• Develop and maintain safe operating procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments for OT systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Required Qualifications and Education

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Automation or related field
• Must be ERB Registered Engineer (Zambia Engineering Institution requirement)

Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Information Technology / Operational Technology
• Strong experience in industrial or mining environments

Technical Experience Required

• VMware administration (ESXi, virtual machines)
• Server and workstation systems (Datacenter environments)
• Industrial networking (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, Firewalls)
• Siemens PCS7 / WinCC / SCADA systems
• PLC systems and automation platforms
• OSI PI database systems
• SQL database applications
• Programming languages:
  • C, C++, C#
  • Python
  • Java / JavaScript
• LIMS and mining software systems
• Industrial security systems:
  • Avigilon camera systems
  • CTRACK mobile systems
  • Kenwood radio systems
  • Mobile equipment camera systems

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong technical engineering expertise in OT systems
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
• Systems integration and automation knowledge
• Strong cybersecurity awareness
• High-level documentation and reporting skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities

Behavioral Attributes

• Strong safety-first mindset
• Team-oriented with leadership capability
• Bold initiative and independent thinking
• High technical discipline and quality focus
• Results-driven and performance-oriented

Operational Requirements

• Standby and overtime availability
• Exposure to industrial hazards:
  • Noise
  • Dust
  • SO₂ gases
  • Molten materials
• Ability to work in high-risk industrial environments
• Strong compliance with safety procedures

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive mining industry salary (based on experience and qualifications)
• Exposure to advanced industrial automation systems
• Career growth in global mining and engineering operations
• Training in OT cybersecurity and automation technologies
• Opportunity to work in high-impact smelter operations

Training and Development

Selected candidates may receive:

• Advanced Siemens PCS7 and SCADA training
• OT cybersecurity (ISA 95 / IEC 62443) training
• Industrial networking and systems integration development
• Project management and automation lifecycle training
• Leadership and technical mentoring programs

Professionals exploring mining engineering, OT systems, and ICT roles across Africa may also visit jobs in Eswatini for additional technical and engineering opportunities.

How to Apply

Existing First Quantum employees should apply via Workday Career Hub > Browse Jobs. External applicants should follow official First Quantum recruitment channels.

Important Note

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment stages.