We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Automation & SCADA Specialist (minimum 8 years experience) to join our multidisciplinary technical team supporting a large-scale iron ore export facility in Buchanan, Liberia.
The successful candidate will assist in strengthening maintenance systems, improving plant reliability, reducing downtime, and enhancing operational efficiency across bulk material handling and ship loading infrastructure.
This is a site-based, field-intensive role suited to an energetic automation professional who thrives in heavy industrial environments and is comfortable working directly on equipment during breakdowns, commissioning, and ramp-up activities.
The facility includes fixed train car dumpers (car rotators), long-distance conveyor systems, stacker conveyors, reclaimers, ship loading systems, and associated fixed and mobile plant equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain and troubleshoot PLC and SCADA systems across bulk material handling operations
Provide hands-on automation support during plant breakdowns
Optimize PLC logic, interlocks, and alarm management systems
Assist in implementing structured planned and corrective maintenance systems
Support commissioning and ramp-up of newly constructed ship loading infrastructure
Conduct root cause analysis to reduce recurring automation failures
Support drive systems (VSD) and motor control fault-finding
Work collaboratively with mechanical, electrical, structural, and instrumentation teams
Contribute to increasing equipment availability and operational reliability
Minimum Requirements
Degree, Diploma, or internationally recognized qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or Mechatronics
Minimum 8 years experience in industrial automation environments
Strong Siemens S7 / TIA Portal programming experience
SCADA system experience (WinCC, Wonderware, Ignition, or similar)
Industrial communication networks knowledge (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP or similar)
Proven field commissioning and troubleshooting experience
Experience in heavy industrial environments such as mining, port operations, bulk materials handling, cement, or similar
Willingness to work on a rotational assignment in Liberia
Preferred Experience
Conveyor control systems
Stacker and reclaimer automation
Car dumper (train rotator) control systems
Ship loader automation systems
Maintenance system improvement projects
Ideal Candidate Profile
Energetic and proactive
Strong fault-finding and diagnostic capability
Comfortable in site-based, physically demanding environments
Maintenance and reliability focused
Team-oriented but able to operate independently
Practical and solution-driven
STELO is a Projects, Operations and Maintenance services company focusing on the start up and operational phases of Assets (fixed process plants, mobile plant incl rolling stock) in the Mining, Oil and Gas and Heavy Industrial Sectors. STELO ‘s focus is Africa, yet we also support our clients in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. STELO is expanding steadily with companies in Mauritius, South Africa, France, Guinea and Angola.
STELO has four divisions supporting our clients needs:
STELO Projects - Project Management, Operational Readiness
STELO Operations - Operations and Maintenance Management, Optimisation, Training
STELO Skills - Expert skills supply with global mobility
STELO Systems - Supply, Implementation and Optimisation of maintenance systems
For all your industrial asset management needs, we are your partner of choice.
