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.
  

• 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