Lead Engineer: Automation - Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited

Job Purpose

The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for leading the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and reliability of automation and control systems within the gold processing plant. The role ensures stable and efficient operation of PLC, SCADA, DCS, instrumentation, and industrial communication systems to maximize plant throughput, gold recovery, equipment reliability, and operational safety.

The Lead Automation Engineer supervises automation personnel, supports plant optimization projects, and works closely with operations, metallurgy, maintenance, electrical, and IT teams to improve plant performance and minimize downtime.

The candidate must ensure high availability and reliability of automation systems across the process plant and lead the maintenance and optimization of PLC systems, SCADA systems, DCS system. Develop and modify automation logic for process improvement and analyzes current equipment; identify areas of inefficiency and needs for improvement; designs and develops electrical and instrumentation to meet those needs. Collaborates with other engineers to develop accurate, efficient equipment and instrumentation in accordance with safety and usability standards and client expectations.

The candidate should have previous experience in operation of gold process plant and project.

PLC programming, ProfNet and Profibus communication network and process control experience will be advantageous.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Become familiar with and strictly adhere to Namdini Health, Safety and Environmental standards.

• Assist in the development and implementation of procedures that ensure that Namdini’s safety, environmental and programming standards are attained. Act as a role model in complying with and supporting these standards and practices.

• Implement advanced process control strategies and PID tuning and optimize automation systems for crushing circuits, milling circuits, CIL operations, thickening systems, elution circuits, tailings handling systems, and reagent dosing systems.

• Oversee calibration, zero-point adjustment, precision adjustment, performance verification of all automated, control, diagnostic, and measurements instruments, maintenance, and troubleshooting of process instrumentation and ensure proper integration between instrumentation and control systems. Support maintenance of MCCs, VFDs, soft starters, motor control systems, and power monitoring systems throughout the mine.

• Responsible for developing training programs in electrical and automation disciplines, providing systematic training to technical personnel, skilled workers, maintenance staff, and personnel in related positions on specialized skills, safety operating procedures, emergency response, maintenance standards, electrical safety regulations, and other relevant topics, thereby enhancing team operational capabilities and safety awareness.

• Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and vendors during installations and upgrades and ensure proper factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT). Manage commissioning and startup of new process equipment and control systems.

• Analyzing technical drawings, interpreting specifications, and determining the instrumentation and control requirements of a given project.

• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for automation systems and lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigating for automation-related failures.

• Improve Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). Maintain critical automation spare parts inventory.

• Maintain a logbook and records of instrument calibrations to ensure accurate measurements, stable operation, and compliance with process control and regulatory requirements.

• Completing quality assurance on all electrical, instrumentation and control components and projects, and writing up reports.

• Performs any other related duties based on the exigencies of the Company as assigned by the Supervisor

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Minimum qualification (s)

• Recognized Degree / Advance Diploma / Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from a recognized institution.

• Mincom Competency Certificate, Minimum of Registered Inspection Engineer

• Member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers will be an added advantage

Experience (Minimum)

• A minimum of 8 years’ working experience in gold mineral processing; at least 5 years in a Senior Electrical supervisor role including large-scale fixed asset management experience.

Knowledge (In-depth)

• In depth understanding of electronics, PLC programming language, SCADA systems and process control systems are a requirement.

• Deep knowledge of mining electrical safety regulations, such as Ghana's L.I. 2184, and safety protocols like LOTO, arc flash prevention, and hazardous areas classification.

• Proficient in root cause analysis, deep understanding of industrial communication network, and using CMMS platforms like SAP or Pronto.

• Experience troubleshooting communication issues between electrical drives and plant control systems.

• Proficient in motor starting methods, synchronization, fault diagnostics, and VFD parameter tuning

• Knowledge and understanding of statutory regulations relevant to safety and the environment for the mining industry.

Skills

• Ability to use KPIs to track equipment availability, maintenance effectiveness, and workforce productivity.

• Skilled in planning and executing maintenance schedules to prevent unplanned downtime.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Supervisory skills and good contractor management skills

• Experience with CAD software, MS Office.

Leadership and behavioural attributes

• Proven ability to lead and motivate large, multidisciplinary engineering and maintenance teams.

• Strong analytical thinking and rapid decision-making in high-pressure operational environments.

Special conditions or requirements of the Job

• Working environment is multi-cultural and hence sensitivity is required

• Valuing diversity and inclusion practices are essential.

• Extended working hours involved

• Ability to work under intense pressure and extreme weather.

• Stringent deadlines

• High volume work

• Routine / non-routine duties

• Medically fit for the position and environment

• Sense of Responsibility and Commitment

• Pro-activity and Dynamism

• Persistence and Flexibility

Location: Namdini Gold Mine Site, Bolgatanga

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