Specialist, Reliability System

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:

Propose

To develop, implement, and optimize digital reliability systems and online condition monitoring solutions for fixed plant assets, with a primary focus on conveyor belt monitoring systems and wireless sensor platforms.

The role aims to enhance predictive maintenance capability, improve equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and provide data-driven insights to support maintenance and operational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Governance, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all monitoring systems and installations comply with company HSE standards and statutory regulations
• Adhere to company policies, engineering standards, and system governance requirements
• Promote safe practices during installation, inspection, and maintenance of monitoring systems

Reliability Systems Management

• Own and manage reliability digital systems including:
• Conveyor belt online monitoring systems (e.g., rip detection, misalignment, speed, temperature)
• Wireless condition monitoring platforms (e.g., Dynamox sensors)
• Ensure system uptime, data accuracy, and performance reliability
• Develop system standards, installation guidelines, and maintenance requirements

Conveyor Belt Monitoring Systems

• Implement and maintain conveyor condition monitoring systems for:
• Belt health and integrity (rip detection, wear, splice condition)
• Idler condition monitoring (temperature, vibration where available)
• Drive and pulley health tracking
• Analyse conveyor system data to identify failure risks and inefficiencies
• Support optimization of conveyor availability and throughput

Wireless Sensor Monitoring (Dynamox & Similar Systems)

• Deploy, configure, and manage wireless vibration and temperature sensors
• Validate sensor placement strategies and instrumentation coverage
• Analyse condition monitoring data for early fault detection in rotating equipment
• Develop alarm thresholds and predictive models

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Develop dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) for plant health reporting
• Integrate sensor and monitoring data into reliability reporting platforms
• Generate actionable insights to support maintenance decision-making
• Track KPIs related to:
• Equipment health
• Failure prediction accuracy
• Downtime reduction

Integration with Maintenance Systems

• Integrate online monitoring outputs into CMMS workflows (SAP/Pronto)
• Support predictive maintenance task generation
• Collaborate with planning teams to prioritize work based on condition data

Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Support RCA investigations using sensor and monitoring data
• Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend improvements
• Optimize monitoring strategies based on lessons learned and operational feedback

Technology & Innovation

• Evaluate new reliability technologies and digital solutions
• Lead trials and implementation of advanced monitoring systems
• Drive digital transformation initiatives within reliability and maintenance

Capability Development

• Train maintenance and operations teams on interpretation of monitoring data
• Build internal capability in digital condition monitoring and predictive analytics
• Promote reliability-centered maintenance using data-driven insights

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronic Engineering or related field
• Certification in Condition Monitoring (Vibration Analysis, ISO CAT I–III advantageous)
• Certification or experience with digital reliability platforms (Dynamox or equivalent advantageous)
• Strong understanding of conveyor systems and rotating equipment
• Proficiency in:
• Data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI)
• CMMS systems (SAP/Pronto)
• Knowledge of industrial communication systems (IoT, wireless networks) advantageous
• All Qualifications must be certified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)

Experience

• Minimum 8 years in fixed plant maintenance, reliability, or condition monitoring
• Proven experience in:
• Conveyor belt systems and bulk material handling
• Condition monitoring techniques (vibration, temperature, sensors)
• Practical experience with:
• Wireless monitoring systems (e.g., Dynamox)
• Online monitoring system implementation and support
• Experience with Reliability methodologies (RCA, RCM, FMEA/FMECA)
• Data analysis and reporting tools
• Supervisory or technical leadership experience (3–5 years preferred)
• Reliability tools (RCA, RCM, FMEA/FMECA)
• Experience with standard maintenance reliability processes – five whys, FMECA etc.
• Experience with the use of computerized maintenance management systems – Pronto preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years at supervisory level will be an added advantage

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Ability to translate data into actionable operational decisions
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Results-driven with focus on reliability and availability improvement

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure to mining plant conditions (dust, heat, noise)
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to work in a remote site environment
• Understanding of local regulatory and operational context