Software Engineer at First Quantum Minerals – Kalumbila, Zambia

Job Overview

First Quantum Minerals is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Engineer to join its industrial automation and control systems team in Kalumbila, Zambia. This role is ideal for professionals with strong expertise in industrial automation, Siemens PLC programming, SCADA systems, DCS platforms, and process control optimization within mining, engineering, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.

The successful candidate will support operational excellence by maintaining and improving control system software, troubleshooting automation-related issues, implementing system upgrades, and ensuring maximum control system availability in a fast-paced mining environment.

Professionals searching for software engineer jobs in Zambia, automation engineer jobs, PLC programmer jobs, SCADA engineer careers, industrial software engineering jobs, mining engineering jobs, and process control engineer jobs may find this opportunity highly rewarding.

Candidates interested in more career opportunities across Africa can also explore roles at software engineer jobs in Cameroon for regional employment updates.

Job Title

Software Engineer – Industrial Automation & Control Systems

Company Details

• Company Name: First Quantum Minerals
• Job Location: Kalumbila, Zambia
• Industry: Mining, Industrial Automation, Engineering & Technology
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Department: Automation & Process Control

Key Job Responsibilities (JD)

As a Software Engineer, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Control System Support & Troubleshooting

• Act as the first responder for control room operational problems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot control system failures, software errors, and equipment malfunctions.
• Perform troubleshooting involving automation systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and digital control systems.

Automation & Software Development

• Assist in installing new and retrofit control systems using SIEMENS PLC controllers and I/O systems.
• Develop, configure, and maintain DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA program code.
• Execute SCADA system development and software modifications to align with plant operational requirements.
• Configure software and hardware systems according to field modifications.

Industrial Process Optimization

• Analyze plant control systems and identify opportunities for process automation improvement.
• Support continuous system optimization and increased operational efficiency.
• Understand and follow the control philosophy of the process plant.

System Testing & Maintenance

• Conduct performance testing for operating systems, electronic communication systems, and instrumentation equipment.
• Inspect automation systems to detect faults and reduce downtime risks.
• Maintain compliance with site DCS standards and industrial best practices (ISA).

Team Support & Technical Guidance

• Provide technical guidance and support to trainees and junior technical staff.
• Collaborate with engineering teams during system upgrades and commissioning projects.
• Perform standby duties and additional assignments delegated by management.

To discover more engineering and mining vacancies in Southern Africa, professionals may also browse software engineer jobs in Zambia for updated employment listings.

Required Skills & Technical Competencies

Applicants should possess strong expertise in:

• Siemens PCS7
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Step 7 Programming
• PLC Programming
• SCADA Development
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Industrial Automation
• Instrumentation & Control
• TCP/IP Networking
• Profibus DP
• Profibus PA
• Modbus Communication
• OPC Interfaces
• Osisoft PI Historian
• Advanced Process Control Systems
• STL, SCL, FBD, CFC & SFC programming
• C, C++ or Visual Basic programming

Candidates with experience in automation troubleshooting, control system upgrades, and industrial network installation/testing will have an added advantage.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Membership registration with the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ).
  Engineering Institute of Zambia
• Ability to register with the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia (ERB).
  Engineering Registration Board of Zambia

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in:
  • Industrial automated control systems
  • Complex industrial software suites
  • Analog and digital control systems
  • Instrumentation and industrial troubleshooting
  • Data recording instruments and diagnostics

Experience within mining operations, heavy industrial plants, or manufacturing automation systems is highly desirable.

Salary & Benefits

The company has not publicly disclosed salary details. However, compensation for software engineering and industrial automation roles in Zambia’s mining sector is generally competitive and aligned with industry standards, depending on qualifications, certifications, technical expertise, and years of experience.

Potential benefits may include:

• Competitive salary package
• Technical and professional development opportunities
• Industrial automation training
• Exposure to advanced mining technologies
• Career progression within a global mining organization
• Engineering certification support

Training & Career Growth

This opportunity provides hands-on exposure to:

• Advanced Siemens automation systems
• SCADA architecture and upgrades
• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Mining process control technologies
• Industrial networking and communication systems
• Instrumentation diagnostics and system optimization

Employees can build long-term careers in software engineering, automation engineering, mining technology, industrial controls, and process engineering.

Job seekers looking for broader opportunities in neighboring African markets can also review openings at software engineer jobs in Zimbabwe for engineering, IT, and industrial positions.

Why Join First Quantum Minerals?

Joining First Quantum Minerals means becoming part of a globally recognized mining organization focused on innovation, operational excellence, and engineering advancement. This role offers valuable experience working with advanced industrial control systems, complex automation infrastructure, and cutting-edge process technologies in one of Zambia’s major mining operations.

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply through the official First Quantum Minerals careers portal and ensure all qualifications, technical certifications, and engineering memberships are updated before submission.