What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Origin Mining Company?
Origin Mining Company operates the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum mine in Arizona and is focused on responsible, sustainable resource development. We aim to lead the U.S. copper industry through strong safety practices, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. Our team is committed to doing things the right way—acting with integrity, supporting our communities, and creating long-term value. With a hands-on, technically driven approach, we are advancing both leach and concentrator operations to produce high-quality copper and molybdenum products.
Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation and control systems supporting mining and processing operations. This role works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency through effective automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities
To be eligible for this position, an individual must possess the following requirements to perform the essential job functions:
Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation and control systems supporting mining and processing operations. This role works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency through effective automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Control System Design & Programming
- Design, develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS systems.
- Program and configure control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
- Support commissioning, startup, and system integration activities.
- System Optimization & Troubleshooting
- Monitor and optimize control system performance to improve reliability and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot automation and instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.
- Support preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Documentation & Technical Support
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation including P&IDs, loop diagrams, schematics, and operating procedures.
- Generate technical reports and provide updates on projects and system performance.
- Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
- Collaboration, Projects & Compliance
- Work closely with electrical, mechanical, process, and reliability teams on plant projects and upgrades.
- Support control system-related projects to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective execution.
- Ensure systems comply with applicable safety and industry standards including MSHA, NFPA, and IEC requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, or Instrumentation Engineering.
- 3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or related fields.
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
- Experience with SCADA, HMI, DCS systems, and industrial instrumentation.
- Strong understanding of process control systems, industrial automation, and electrical/instrumentation drawings.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, schematics, and control drawings.
- Experience in mining, mineral processing, or heavy industrial environments is preferred.
- Knowledge of industrial communication networks and safety standards.
- ISA, PMP, or related certifications are considered an asset.
- PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
- SCADA/HMI Development
- Instrumentation & Process Control
- Industrial Networking
- Technical Problem Solving
- Project Coordination
- Communication & Team Collaboration
To be eligible for this position, an individual must possess the following requirements to perform the essential job functions:
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking on uneven surfaces, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather.
- Able to operate a telephone and mine phone/radio with sufficient voice and hearing to carry on a conversation for the purpose of communicating information.
- Able to hear sufficiently to distinguish various pitches of warning alarms.
- Able to lift up to 25 pounds periodically.