Engineer Process Control Systems (Mt Holland)

About Us

Covalent Lithium is a fully integrated lithium mining and refining operation in Western Australia. As a joint venture between Wesfarmers and SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile), we combine global lithium expertise with strong Australian operational capability across our Mt Holland Mine and Concentrator and Kwinana Refinery.

Following a successful ramp-up, Mt Holland is now running at full production- an achievement driven by the capability, commitment and collaboration of our people. With an approved expansion set to double spodumene concentrate production, we're entering an exciting new phase of growth and unlocking the full potential of our world-class Earl Grey lithium deposit.

Guided by our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration, we're building a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace where people can make an impact and grow their careers. Whether you're taking the next step in your career or bringing your experience to a growing business, Covalent offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in an operation spanning the entire lithium value chain- from mine to refinery.

We support, empower and reward our people with a range of benefits:

• Competitive remuneration and annual incentive opportunities for eligible employees
• Access to discounts, recognition and rewards through our LiFT program
• Flexible work arrangements where suitable
• Dedicated wellbeing programs, Employee Assistance Program and discounted health insurance
• Equal access to paid parental leave, financial support for growing families & return-to-work support
• Salary sacrifice options, including superannuation and novated leasing
• Discounted FIFO parking with Perth Airport

The Role

The position will be accountable for providing technical expertise as part of the reliability engineering function within the Fixed Plant maintenance team in delivering the annual maintenance targets for equipment, with zero harm to employees, contractors and the environment.
The PCS Engineer is responsible for technical advice, and Control System performance of the DeltaV Distributed Control System, including the development of control loops, monitoring equipment performance and health, managing threats, performing advanced diagnostics, implementing improvement projects, and provide expert technical advice in an efficient and sustainable manner.

This is a permanent opportunity, on an 8:6 roster, ex FIFO from Perth to our Mt Holland mine site

Key Responsibilities

• Follow integrated business processes and systems for Fixed Plant, to provide effective equipment performance and equipment health monitoring to sustain the required equipment reliability.

• Maintain and improve the control loops to ensure optimum and stable plant performance.

• Diagnose any control loop faults.

• Debottleneck control logic to improve plant safety and performance.

• Advise on and apply temporary control system bridges to overcome process or plant problems without compromising process safety.

• Understanding of both production and maintenance strategies for large scale processing plant.

• Identify risks that have the capacity to compromise Fixed Plant performance outcomes and identify solutions to these issues to mitigate any impacts to desired outcomes.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in line with Operational Excellence.

• Actively participate in the establishment of a health and safety culture, leading by example, and following the required health and safety standards.

Role Requirements

• 5+ years in Fixed Plant maintenance and mineral processing

• Experience in Control System and instrumentation design, system architecture, automation configuration, and industrial communications network protocols

• Working experience using Emerson DeltaV DCS

• Experience with Operational Readiness activities combined with considerable experience in transitioning from plant commissioning to steady state operations.

• Knowledge of legislative requirements, statutory and regulatory codes.

• Knowledge of capital expenditure management and project management.

• Demonstrated track record of diagnostics, problem solving, and solution implementation delivering significant process improvements

• Ability to work in remote and/or arid environmental conditions.

• Engineering tertiary qualification in Electrical & Instrumentation, Instrumentation Control, or Industrial Automation

• Knowledge of the Mine Safety and Inspection Act & Regulations.

• Computerised Maintenance Management System experience (SAP or Pronto desirable)

• Valid driver's licence

• First Aid certificate desirable but not essential

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the role, candidate experience, skills and qualifications will be offered.

Our team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Candidates from all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply, including First Nations People, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities and those with neurodiverse, intersectional, or multiple diverse characteristics.

Covalent Lithium is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with a focus on our employees. We recognise skills, expertise, commitment and living our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration. Our goal is to attract, develop, motivate, reward, and retain the best people in the industry.