Instrumentation Specialist

About the role

First Quantum is looking for an Instrumentation Specialist in Panama. The role covers the calibration, setup and diagnostics of process instrumentation and control equipment, and includes hands-on maintenance, reporting and support to Instrumentation Engineers. It also involves supervising the C&I team, including hiring, training and performance management.

Key responsibilities

• Develop safe working procedures and take part in HSE initiatives, ensuring work complies with isolation, lock-out and tag-out, quality and environmental standards.
• Oversee best-practice maintenance of process instrumentation and control equipment, including daily corrective actions and formal workplace inspections.
• Take part in equipment maintenance plans and schedule preventive and predictive maintenance through a computerized maintenance management system.
• Keep the C&I maintenance database up to date and report on maintenance activities, equipment performance and component wear.
• Provide daily technical support to Instrumentation Engineers to maximise production and efficiency.
• Review plant design and equipment performance, enforce housekeeping standards and ensure shift manning requirements are met.
• Help create and implement SOPs, and take part in interviewing, hiring, training and development of team members.
• Manage performance through expectations, reviews and coaching, and maintain good communication with supervisors and the Process Department.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

Required profile

• Technical degree or vocational training recognised by JTIA at general electrician level.
• More than 7 years of experience in industrial automation and/or large-scale instrumentation systems.
• Experience in a large, complex base metals processing plant is highly regarded.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, strong interpersonal, cognitive and analytical skills.
• Understanding of maintenance process improvement and control strategies.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Required skills

• Knowledge of drives, AC and DC motors.
• Proficiency in using test equipment for calibration, setup and diagnostics of process instrumentation.
• Blueprint reading, one-line power and control diagrams, mechanical math.
• Basic PLC programming and I/O card knowledge.
• Siemens PCS7 exposure is advantageous.