Technician: Instrumentation & Control; Pyrometallurgy; Re-advert

Introduction

Mintek seeks to appoint an Instrumentation & Control Technician in the Pyrometallurgy Division, to assist in the development, installation, maintenance, and operation of our electrical, control and instrumentation systems. The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to the development of CAPEX and OPEX motivations for upgrading key laboratory- and pilot scale equipment and facilities. Ability to conceptualize and execute research and commercial projects using laboratory and pilot scale facilities is a highly desirable attribute for the position.

• Responsible for the development, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of electrical, control and instrumentation systems for high temperature laboratory and pilot scale facilities in the Pyrometallurgy Division.
• Set up and assembly control systems for pilot plant furnaces in line with specific project modification requirements.
• Design, instal and commission instrumentation, electrical and control equipment for laboratory and pilot plant facilities in the Division.
• Maintenance and programming of DeltaV Distributed Control Systems and Programmable Controllers (PLCs).
• Prepare control and electrical drawings to ensure all modifications are properly documented and controlled.
• Develop, manage and implement maintenance programmes to minimise downtime.
• Provide support to internal and external clients to ascertain scope requirements and to timeously deliver on research and commercial projects, including supervision and training of operators, trainees and contractors involved. This includes providing training on experimental, SHEQ and administrative procedures.
• Conceptualize and develop proposals and quotations for internal and commercial clients, and ensure timely execution of projects, both at laboratory and pilot scale facilities.
• Contribute to the development of CAPEX and OPEX motivations for upgrading key laboratory and pilot scale equipment and facilities.
• Evaluate processes, systems, products or new developments to identify opportunities and deficiencies to ensure continuous improvement.
• Conform to all relevant SHEQ procedures, guidelines and rules, and ensure that relevant risks and hazards are identified and managed through Mintek-approved risk assessments and procedures. This includes ensuring that all relevant SOPs are up to date and complied with.

• Minimum of 3 years' post qualification experience in a similar environment.
• Demonstrable experience in operating high temperature industrial-scale equipment and facilities is highly desirable.
• An in-depth knowledge in specific control disciplines, such as, advanced process control (APC), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) pertaining to equipment and instrumentation used in electric arc furnaces. Demonstrable portfolio of evidence in DeltaV DCS, Allan Bradley or Siemens S7 PLC programming.
• Demonstrable portfolio of evidence Computer Networks and Field Buses (Microsoft Networking, Profibus, Ethernet IP, Modbus, Fibre Optic).
• Knowledge or experience with SHEQ systems is non-negotiable.
• A strong understanding of electric arc furnaces is highly advantageous.

• Minimum BTech in Electrical/ Instrumentation/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent.
• Ideally, a MTech in Electrical/ Instrumentation/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent.
• Possession of a relevant trade test is an added advantage.
• Professional recognition and registration will be an added advantage.

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and conducting new and innovative projects is essential.
• Keen interest to participate in pyrometallurgy research and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required
• Excellent writing and presentation skills