At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Purpose

Manage and optimize wear performance of fixed plant equipment through wear engineering, 3D scanning, condition assessment, material selection and reliability strategies to improve asset life, reduce wear cost per tonne, enhance plant availability and support proactive replacement planning.

Key Responsibilities

Governance, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all relevant company policies, procedures, and statutory requirements (HSE, quality, finance, HR).
• Ensure all wear-related activities comply with safety and environmental standards.
• Promote a proactive safety culture within inspections, installations, and failure investigations.

Wear Management & Optimization

• Develop and implement wear management strategies for fixed plant equipment (chutes, bins, liners, pumps, cyclones, pipes, screens).
• Evaluate and recommend wear materials (e.g., ceramics, rubber, chrome carbide, polyurethane).
• Optimize wear life vs cost performance ($/t).
• Establish inspection standards, wear monitoring intervals, and replacement criteria.
• Develop wear life forecasting models and replacement strategies for wear critical components.

Condition Monitoring Integration

• Integrate wear performance data with existing condition monitoring programs (visual inspections, thickness testing, UT, thermography and other applicable NDT techniques).
• Develop structured wear tracking systems, dashboards and digital wear maps.
• Develop and maintain 3D scanning programs for wear monitoring, volume loss analysis and geometric change assessment of wear critical assets.
• Identify degradation trends, establish wear rates and forecast component life.

Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) of wear failures and premature component degradation.
• Develop corrective actions to eliminate recurrence.
• Lead wear optimization initiatives through material selection, design improvements and operational performance reviews.
• Develop and standardize wear management best practices, inspection methodologies and wear acceptance criteria across the plant.
• Quantify and track benefits achieved through wear life extension, design modifications and material improvements.

Asset Lifecycle Management (LCAM)

• Ensure adherence to LCAM for new and existing assets.
• Provide input into design, selection, and commissioning phases to optimize wear performance.
• Participate in acceptance testing and equipment commissioning.
• Provide wear management requirements and lifecycle cost considerations during engineering design reviews and capital projects.

Planning & Maintenance Integration

• Collaborate with planners to integrate wear replacement strategies into maintenance plans.
• Establish risk-based inspection frequencies, wear monitoring requirements and replacement criteria for wear critical assets.
• Provide wear life forecasts and replacement recommendations to support shutdown scope development and execution planning.
• Generate proactive maintenance recommendations and work requests based on wear life forecasts and condition assessments.

Supplier & Technology Management

• Evaluate OEMs and wear material suppliers.
• Lead trials of new wear technologies and products.
• Evaluate and validate new wear materials, designs and technologies through structured field trials and performance monitoring.
• Act as the technical focal point for OEM wear reviews, wear audits and performance improvement initiatives.
• Quantify benefits through performance tracking ($/t, life improvement, downtime reduction).

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain wear performance database and equipment history.
• Provide periodic reports on wear performance, remaining life forecasts, risk areas and improvement opportunities.
• Develop plant-wide wear dashboard aligned to reliability KPIs.
• Develop and maintain digital wear maps, wear rate models and life forecasting tools for wear critical assets.
• Maintain a centralized repository for wear inspections, 3D scans, thickness measurements and historical wear performance data.
• Develop and track KPIs related to wear life extension, wear cost per tonne, forecast accuracy and wear-related downtime reduction

Capability Development

• Train and coach maintenance and operations personnel on wear management practices.
• Drive awareness of wear mechanisms and correct operating practices.
• Develop internal competency in wear analysis and material selection.
• Develop internal competency in wear monitoring technologies including 3D scanning, thickness monitoring and wear forecasting methodologies.
• Support knowledge transfer and technical mentoring for engineers, planners and maintenance personnel.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering / metallurgical engineering or related field
• Certification in Reliability Engineering (CMRP, CRE, or equivalent – advantageous)
• Draughting qualification (Diploma/Certificate in Mechanical Draughting or CAD)
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of fixed plant equipment and wear mechanisms
• Computer literacy (MS Office, CMMS such as SAP/Pronto)
• All Qualifications must be certified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in fixed plant maintenance or reliability engineering
• Experience with wear management in process plant environments
• Proven experience in:
• Chute design and wear liner optimization
• Pump and pipeline wear management
• Material selection and performance evaluation
• Experience with : RCA, RCM, FMEA/FMECA methodologies, CMMS systems (e.g., Pronto/SAP)
• Demonstrated experience in Wear material selection and performance optimization and Chute, pipeline, and pump wear systems
• Reliability tools (RCA, RCM, FMEA/FMECA)
• Practical experience in Engineering drawing updates and revision control
• Producing manufacturing / fabrication drawings
• Managing drawing changes via formal engineering processes (TQ/PCR)
• Exposure to condition monitoring and lubrication systems is advantageous
• Supervisory experience (3–5 years preferred)
• Experience with standard maintenance reliability processes – five whys, FMECA etc.
• Experience with the use of computerized maintenance management systems – Pronto preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years at supervisory level will be an added advantage

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts into practical solutions
• Results-driven with focus on operational impact ($/t and availability)
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic mining environment

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure to mining plant conditions (dust, heat, noise)
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to work in a remote site environment
• Understanding of local regulatory and operational context

How to Apply

Apply using the following link: https://firstquantum.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/First_Quantum_Careers/job/Solwezi/Specialist--Wear-Management_JR18545