Instrument Engineer – Automation & Maintenance

About the role

The Instrumentation & Automation Engineer ensures safe, reliable and efficient operation of instrumentation and automation assets. The role plans, executes and monitors preventive, corrective and shutdown maintenance while supporting Vale Production System (VPS) principles and adhering to HSE and Code of Ethics standards.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with Vale’s HSE guidelines and VPS, raise safety issues and promote a safe work environment.
• Plan, coordinate and optimise maintenance activities for PLC, DCS, SCADA and field instruments, including preventive, predictive and corrective tasks.
• Supervise Instrument Technicians, providing technical guidance, work planning, coaching and performance oversight.
• Analyse equipment and control system data to identify trends, predict failures and implement preventive actions.
• Ensure reliability of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), particulate matter monitors, gas and process analyzers, and sampling systems to meet environmental regulations.
• Conduct root‑cause investigations, develop SOPs and JSAs, and manage calibration programmes.
• Coordinate maintenance during shutdowns and turnarounds, ensuring minimal unplanned downtime.

Required profile

• Proven experience in preventive and corrective maintenance of instrumentation and automation equipment.
• Familiarity with analyzer shelters, sample‑conditioning systems, environmental monitoring equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to lead and develop technical teams, ensuring safe and efficient execution of tasks.
• Strong analytical skills for trend analysis, failure prediction and continuous improvement.

Required skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• DCS and SCADA systems
• Field instrumentation
• Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
• Particulate matter monitoring
• Gas and process analyzers
• Sampling and data acquisition systems
• Predictive maintenance techniques
• Root‑cause analysis
• Calibration procedures