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

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

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.

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  Configure, integrate, and maintain ET200SP remote I/O stations.

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  Set up and optimise AVEVA SCADA systems (tags, alarms, trends, graphics).

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  Diagnose PLC/SCADA faults, communication breakdowns, STOP conditions, and hardware failures.

• 
  Maintain redundant PLC/SCADA architectures for operational reliability.

Technical Troubleshooting & Reliability

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  Diagnose complex electrical and mechanical failures and implement effective engineering solutions.

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  Inspect equipment regularly to identify risks or performance issues.

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  Oversee corrective actions ensuring minimal downtime and compliance with operational KPIs.

Team Support & Work Management

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  Support powerhouse electrical and mechanical supervisors, providing technical guidance.

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  Manage work orders, spare parts tracking, inventory levels, and ETA communication.

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  Maintain accurate maintenance records using CMMS systems.

Continuous Improvement

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  Identify performance improvement opportunities across systems and processes.

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  Recommend and implement engineering upgrades, improved workflows, and best practices.

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  Contribute to long-term reliability strategies for power plant assets.

Safety, Governance & Compliance

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  Conduct JSAs, risk reviews, and enforce lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.

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  Perform safety talks, toolbox meetings, and ensure compliance with EHS standards.

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  Promote and sustain a strong safety culture within engineering teams.

Training & Localisation

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  Deliver structured technical training for junior and local staff.

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  Build competency frameworks and support skills transfer aligned with localisation objectives.

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  Ensure effective knowledge sharing across mechanical, electrical, and control systems teams.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 
  Minimum HND/Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related field.

• 
  7+ years’ experience in power plants, mining, or heavy industrial maintenance environments.

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  Previous experience in diesel power stations or heavy engine workshops is highly advantageous.

Technical Skills & Competencies

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  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

Why Join This Opportunity?

• 
  Work with a major West African mining/power operation.

• 
  Lead a critical function with high technical impact.

• 
  Competitive USD expatriate package, accommodation, medical, flights.

• 
  Career growth in a rapidly expanding engineering and operations environment.

• 
  Opportunity to mentor and uplift local engineering talent.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send the following:

• 
  Updated CV

• 
  Notice period / availability

• 
  Current & expected salary

• 
  Relevant certifications