Site Engineer (Expat) – Power Plant & Heavy Industry | Sierra Leone

Site Engineer (Expat) – Power Plant & Heavy Industry | Sierra Leone Full-Time | FIFO or Residential | Competitive USD Package Applications: Mining@cquail.com Copper Quail Global is recruiting an experienced Site Engineer for a major mining and power-generation operation in Sierra Leone. This role suits a senior engineering professional with extensive experience in diesel power plants, PLC/SCADA systems, and heavy industrial maintenance, who can thrive in demanding environments while leading multi-disciplinary teams. Position Summary Designation: Site Engineer Department: Engineering & Maintenance Reports to: Powerhouse Superintendent Location: Sierra Leone (accommodation provided on-site) The Site Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimisation of power generation systems, including diesel engines, auxiliary equipment, PLC/SCADA systems, and maintenance planning. A key component of the role includes training and developing local maintenance teams, ensuring safety compliance, and maintaining uninterrupted plant operations. Key Responsibilities Power Plant Operations & Maintenance Plan, schedule, and supervise preventive and corrective maintenance for diesel engines and auxiliary systems. Lead periodic engine overhauls on units such as Hyundai 9H 21/32 and ABC 16DZC-750 or similar heavy-duty/dual-fuel engines. Ensure all maintenance adheres to OEM standards, QA/QC requirements, and operational best practices. PLC & SCADA Systems Develop, test, and troubleshoot Siemens S7-300 PLC programs. Configure, integrate, and maintain ET200SP remote I/O stations. Set up and optimise AVEVA SCADA systems (tags, alarms, trends, graphics). Diagnose PLC/SCADA faults, communication breakdowns, STOP conditions, and hardware failures. Maintain redundant PLC/SCADA architectures for operational reliability. Technical Troubleshooting & Reliability Diagnose complex electrical and mechanical failures and implement effective engineering solutions. Inspect equipment regularly to identify risks or performance issues. Oversee corrective actions ensuring minimal downtime and compliance with operational KPIs. Team Support & Work Management Support powerhouse electrical and mechanical supervisors, providing technical guidance. Manage work orders, spare parts tracking, inventory levels, and ETA communication. Maintain accurate maintenance records using CMMS systems. Continuous Improvement Identify performance improvement opportunities across systems and processes. Recommend and implement engineering upgrades, improved workflows, and best practices. Contribute to long-term reliability strategies for power plant assets. Safety, Governance & Compliance Conduct JSAs, risk reviews, and enforce lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures. Perform safety talks, toolbox meetings, and ensure compliance with EHS standards. Promote and sustain a strong safety culture within engineering teams. Training & Localisation Deliver structured technical training for junior and local staff. Build competency frameworks and support skills transfer aligned with localisation objectives. Ensure effective knowledge sharing across mechanical, electrical, and control systems teams. What We Are Looking For Qualifications Minimum HND/Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related field. 7+ years’ experience in power plants, mining, or heavy industrial maintenance environments. Previous experience in diesel power stations or heavy engine workshops is highly advantageous. Technical Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of diesel engine operation, power generation systems, electromechanical equipment, and maintenance techniques. Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical and mechanical faults. Experience with Siemens PLCs (S7-300), ET200SP, and AVEVA SCADA. Ability to read and interpret detailed electrical/mechanical engineering drawings. Skilled in writing reports, maintaining CMMS records, and managing spares. High attention to detail with strong process discipline. Soft Skills Strong leadership and people management abilities. Excellent communication skills across multicultural teams. Ability to perform under pressure and be available for emergency call-outs. High resilience and adaptability in challenging, fast-paced environments. Work Environment Remote mining/power plant site Rotational or residential schedule (depending on candidate preference) Must be physically and mentally fit for demanding onsite conditions