Engineer, Reliability

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

The Reliability Engineer supports the Mobile Maintenance team in improving equipment reliability and maintenance effectiveness across the fleet.

The role provides structured failure analysis, performance insight, and data-driven recommendations to assist maintenance teams in eliminating repeat defects, optimising maintenance practices, and improving equipment availability, reliability and cost performance.

Specific Job Responsibility

The specific tasks to be performed by the position holder will include:

1. Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

• Actively participate in site-wide safety initiatives aligned with FQML key performance indicators.
• Promote adherence to FQML health and safety standards in pursuit of zero harm.
• Maintain and reinforce a culture of duty of care and visible safety leadership.
• Ensure reliability initiatives and strategy changes do not introduce unmanaged risk to personnel or equipment.

2. Defect Elimination and Reliability Improvement

• Facilitate the structured Defect Elimination (DE) process to prevent repeat failures.
• Analyse asset performance data and present findings to key stakeholders.
• Track and verify corrective actions to ensure sustainable elimination of recurring issues.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including 5 Whys, timeline analysis, fault tree analysis, and statistical techniques.
• Utilise analytical tools such as trending, Pareto analysis, variance analysis, and correlation analysis to support Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Coach supervisors and engineers in the application of basic RCA methodologies.
• Capture, quantify, and review major equipment-related business risks in collaboration with execution and condition monitoring teams.

3. Asset Strategy Development and Optimisation

• Lead functional failure analysis to define failure modes, mechanisms, causes, probabilities, and consequences.
• Facilitate the selection of optimal maintenance tactics, frequencies, and standards based on risk and criticality.
• Develop and refine condition monitoring strategies aligned to the P–F curve.
• Work with maintenance leadership to define precision maintenance standards (alignment, torque control, lubrication, balancing, etc.).
• Support the continuous review and optimisation of asset maintenance plans within approved systems (e.g., ERP/CMMS platforms).

4. Business Improvement and Capital Support

• Support managers and superintendents in developing technically justified CAPEX and business improvement proposals.
• Conduct life cycle cost analysis to inform repair-versus-replace decisions.
• Facilitate and manage reliability improvement projects that enhance maintenance efficiency and cost performance.
• Apply life cycle costing (LCC) and equivalent annual cost (EAC) analysis in asset decision-making.
• Develop and maintain asset management plans (AMPs) for critical mobile fleet assets.
• Provide technical input into mid-life upgrades, technology improvements, and overhaul strategies to maximise long-term asset value.

Job Specific Competencies

1. Asset Management and Reliability

• Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM)
• Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
• Lean Management / Six Sigma / Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Asset Strategy Development
• Precision Lubrication and Contamination Control
• Work Management Processes
• Spares and Materials Management
• 5S and Visual Workplace Principles

2. Data and Analytical Capability

• Data acquisition, validation, processing, and interpretation
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Python, R, or SQL for data analysis
• ERP/CMMS systems (e.g., Pronto, SAP)
• Statistical and probability analysis
• Predictive and condition-based maintenance techniques

3. Technical Problem-Solving

• Structured engineering problem-solving methodologies
• Root cause analysis techniques
• Hypothesis-based troubleshooting
• Risk-based decision-making

4. Financial and Commercial Acumen

• Business case development
• Engineering economics
• Quantification of cost, risk, and value
• Technical report writing and stakeholder communication

Key Job Attributes

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Applies analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
• Exercises initiative and sound judgement
• Influences continuous improvement across cross-functional teams
• Demonstrates candour and accountability
• Coaches and develops others in reliability principles
• Manages time and deliverables effectively

Experience required to perform in this job

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the mining, minerals, or processing industry.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with maintenance and reliability systems (ERP/CMMS, monitoring systems, telematics, or related databases).

Qualifications

(Academic/ technical and or professional qualification required for the job)

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering.
• Professional certification such as ARP, CMRP, or CRE is advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence.