4.3. Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

As an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer at Phoenix Tailings, you'll be responsible for specifying, installing, and commissioning instrumentation systems that ensure our operations meet rigorous process requirements. You'll also get hands-on with configuring control systems such as PLCs—Allen-Bradley is preferred—as well as HMI/SCADA platforms like Ignition. Your routine tasks will include troubleshooting technical issues, performing maintenance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and reliability.

To become an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer at Phoenix Tailings, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related field. We’re looking for candidates with at least 2 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering within industrial, chemical, or process environments. Proficiency in PLC programming, familiarity with HMI/SCADA platforms, and a solid understanding of instrumentation systems will be key to your success in this role.

The culture at Phoenix Tailings is vibrant and focused on innovation and sustainability. As an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, resourcefulness, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. We also promote a flexible work environment that prioritizes results over hours at the desk, encouraging employees to maintain a work-life balance and make meaningful contributions towards the company's vision.

As an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer at Phoenix Tailings, you will work with advanced technologies in controls and instrumentation systems, particularly in chemical and high-temperature process environments. You'll engage with PLCs, particularly Allen-Bradley, and HMI/SCADA platforms such as Ignition. Your role will involve optimizing control logic and upgrading instrumentation, allowing you to actively contribute to our initiatives focused on sustainability and efficiency.

Yes, Phoenix Tailings is committed to promoting growth and development among its team members, including Instrumentation & Controls Engineers. We provide various learning and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. As we expand our operations and innovative projects, there are ample chances to take on more responsibilities and grow within the company.

When answering this question, focus on your hands-on experience with PLC programming. Mention specific systems you've worked with, such as Allen-Bradley, and detail any projects where you configured or troubleshot PLCs. Highlight the impact your programming had on improving efficiencies or resolving technical issues.

Your answer should detail a systematic troubleshooting process—start with identifying symptoms, then check for common issues related to the instrumentation and controls. Discuss any tools or techniques you use, and cite a specific example where your troubleshooting skills helped minimize downtime at a previous job.

When discussing safety standards, reference specific regulations relevant to instrumentation and controls, such as OSHA, ISO, or ANSI. Describe your commitment to maintaining safety in high-temperature or chemical processes, and share an example of a situation where you ensured compliance and safety in your work.

Talk about the resources you use to stay informed about advancements in the field, such as industry publications, online courses, professional organizations, or networking events. Mention any recent technologies you’ve researched or implemented in past roles to demonstrate your proactive approach to continuous learning.

In answering this question, share a specific project example where you collaborated with other teams, such as R&D, process engineering, or operations. Outline your contributions and how collaborative strategies improved project outcomes, highlighting any innovations or processes that emerged from team discussions.

Emphasize the importance of detailed documentation for compliance and operational consistency. Discuss how you maintain records of calibration, maintenance, wiring diagrams, and schematics, and share any systems or practices you have in place to ensure accurate and accessible documentation for future reference.

Explain your approach to identifying and assessing areas for process improvement. Provide examples from your past experience where you've optimized control logic, upgraded systems, or integrated new technologies, detailing the positive impact these changes had on overall efficiency and performance.

Acknowledge potential challenges like evolving technologies, system Downtime, and maintaining compliance. Then, illustrate your problem-solving skills and proactive attitude by describing strategies for addressing these challenges, such as continuous monitoring, ongoing training, and fostering cross-team communication.

Discuss the importance of accurate measurements and controls in ensuring efficient and sustainable resource extraction. Highlight your understanding of how precision in instrumentation directly impacts energy consumption, waste management, and environmental compliance, which are essential for Phoenix Tailings' mission of sustainable mining.

Your answer should reflect your enthusiasm for Phoenix Tailings' mission, values, and innovative approach to clean mining. Share any alignment between your personal values and the company's commitment to sustainability, and express your eagerness to contribute to projects that drive the company’s vision forward.