Mechanical Engineer
Resume:
Summary
Highly organized and detail-oriented professional with 10+ years of proven track record of achieving operational excellence, managing complex projects and optimizing maintenance strategies.
Seasoned Mechanical Professional with extensive experience in managing diverse and complex industrial projects, including smelter corrosion protection and cooling tower cell refurbishment, with a strong technical expertise in Industrial Gas turbines, Multi-Stage Industrial compressors, LP Blowers, and Pump maintenance. Skilled in driving product development and renewable energy initiatives, along with a strong focus on monitoring and enhancing maintenance performance. Demonstrated success in ensuring strict adherence to standard operating procedures/ standard working procedures (SOP or SWP) and safety protocols, while coordinating complex mechanical operations and driving performance improvements. Skilled at leading cross-functional teams, maintaining detailed project documentation, and executing and implementing strategic maintenance plans. Highly proficient in developing monthly maintenance schedule and cost projections, optimizing budgets, and achieving cost efficiency.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
● Maintenance Planning
● Cross-functional
Collaboration
● Regulatory Compliance
● Maintenance Scheduling
● Reliability Centred
Maintenance
● Equipment Reliability
● Asset Management
● Project Management
● Contractor Management
● Equipment Inspection
● PowerBI Data Analysis
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
First Quantum Minerals,
Acting Mechanical Superintendent, Secondary
Smelting
May – July 2024 & Nov – Dec 2024
Led Successful completion of Pierce Smith Converters Rehabilitation always delivering the project ahead of schedule. Supervised maintenance operations by conducting weekly preventive maintenance for the Main Aisle Cranes ensuring optimal performance. Oversaw planning and execution of routine smelter shutdowns for the secondary smelting section ensuring operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
● Implemented the predictive maintenance strategies: Enhancing equipment reliability for the Pierce Smith Converters, Anode Furnaces and Anode Casting wheel plant.
● Ensured statutory compliance on all rigging and lifting equipment for the smelter plant.
● Streamlined Project management: Utilized Microsoft Project to schedule converter rehabilitation, enabling precise milestone tracking and progress monitoring. Henry Mupeta Kitwe, Zambia +260-*********
P a g e 2 4
First Quantum Minerals, October 2021 – Present
Coordinator-Mechanical, Oxygen Plant, Utilities and Services Analyzed maintenance data for Compressors and Diesel Engines, producing actionable reports for planned and predictive maintenance strategies. Planned quarterly section shutdown schedules for oxygen and water treatment plants ensuring timely completion. Oversaw cost estimation, planning, and installation of drain lines for Mol Sieve beds at the Oxygen Plant. Collaborated on method statements for pressure vessel testing with Area Mechanical Superintendent, ensuring full legal and technical compliance. Established monthly maintenance and cost projection for budget control and sectional cost optimization. Conducted detailed root cause failure analyses on Compressors and Pumps, preventing recurring failures and improving equipment reliability. Maintain daily vigilance over maintenance performance, ensuring strict adherence to SOPs and safety protocols.
● Utilized ASANA to successfully manage the June 2025 Smelter Major Shutdown.
● Developed and managed maintenance schedules for Compressors, fire suppression units, pumps and cooling towers ensuring minimal disruption to operations. Coordinated well with process to prioritize and schedule maintenance activities.
● Ensured that all maintenance activities adhere to safety protocols, environmental regulations and FQM company policies.
● Successfully commissioned compressors (ZH15000, GA400, GA250, GR200 and G30 Atlas Copco compressors and Multistage Cameron Compressors) following major overhaul.
● Guided the successful refurbishment and commissioning of cooling tower cells and side stream filter pumps at oxygen plant.
● Spearheaded an innovative 3-day Mol Sieve Change out project at Oxygen Plant, completing ahead of anticipated 4–5-day timeframe.
● Fostered a safety-focused culture, achieving zero loss-time injuries and property damage through the "THINK" methodology.
● Supervised all plumbing works in the smelter plant.
● Introduced an efficient spare part tracking system, significantly minimizing operational downtime during equipment failures.
● Ensured unwavering adherence to engineering standards and specifications, vigilantly overseeing, and managing mechanical department resources.
● Ensured reliable and consistent distribution of compressed air throughout the smelter facility.
● Directed the maintenance and servicing of fire hydrants and fire water lines, reinforcing safety measures.
● Maintained emergency diesel generators at peak performance levels, ensuring uninterrupted operational readiness.
● Expertly utilized Pronto for spare inventory management optimizing resource availability and minimizing delays.
Copperbelt University,
Lecturer/ Researcher - Mechanical Engineering
November 2016 - September 2021
Employed diverse instructional strategies and resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Assessed and refined lesson plans and curriculum content to promote student-centred education in engineering courses. Taught undergraduate courses, including Statics and Dynamics, Renewable Energy, Machine Design, and Fluid Power Systems. Guided and supervised student theses and projects, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Engaged in research focused on energy systems and smart city initiatives. P a g e 3 4
● Successfully managed and coordinated academic activities for second-year engineering students within the school.
● Developed a condition-based monitoring solution for Predictive Maintenance.
● Pioneered the design and creation of an agricultural sprayer robot prototype, showcasing ingenuity and engineering expertise.
EMK Power and Construction Techniques (Z),
Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Reliability Engineer
September 2015 - October 2016
Defined clear, measurable project goals and objectives while prioritizing tasks to optimize team productivity. Simplified complex technical information through oral and written communication for diverse audiences. Directed on-site technical supervision for mechanical and technical projects, ensuring quality and adherence to standards. Executed compressor installation and repair tasks. Conducted mechanical engineering consultations and verified structural dynamics. Offered expert consultations on renewable energy initiatives.
● Applied statistical methods and Six Sigma techniques for data analysis and root cause failure investigations, driving process improvements. Barloworld Equipment Zambia,
Product Support Rep / Parts Engineer
October 2011 - October 2012
Executed machine audits encompassing inspection and troubleshooting to optimize maintenance planning and minimize machine downtime. Conducted on-site consultations with Barloworld Equipment clients. Furnished clients with details regarding their ordered parts. Analyzed parts life cycles and identified in-demand or fast-moving components. Detected discrepancies in parts stock and facilitated the creation of backorders.
● Managed back-order expediting, logistics, inventory control, and stock counts to guarantee parts availability.
● Utilized Caterpillar Electronic Technician (CAT ET) for diagnosis of problems on machines.
● Extensively utilized Caterpillar Service Information System (CAT SIS) to finds parts for the equipment of clients.
● Ensured machine availability by utilizing Caterpillar Vital Information Management System (CAT VIMS).
Mopani Copper Mines,
Trainee Mechanical Engineer
January 2011 - April 2011
Maintained locomotives, diesel engines, and primary generators. Performed battery assessments and measured cell specific gravity. Inspected and tested traction motors. Constructed engine power packs. Provided maintenance for wheel slip relays. PROJECTS
Smelter Corrosion Protection October, 2021 – Present. Conducted thorough inspections of smelter structural components to identify signs of corrosion, coating defects and material degradation. Ensured that all corrosion protection activities comply with industry standard and regulatory requirements. P a g e 4 4
● Maintained a 100% compliance rate with regulatory standards and safety protocols throughout the project.
● Spearheaded and implemented a safety culture on the corrosion protection contractor that resulted in zero lost time injuries (LTIs) during the course of the corrosion protection project.
Cooling tower Cells Refurbishment April, 2024 – Present. Performed comprehensive inspection of cooling tower cells, including structural components, fill materials, drift eliminators, fans and distribution pipes to identify wear, damage or deterioration. Oversaw the refurbishment activities, coordinating the contractor to ensure the proper execution of work plans according to safety and quality standards.
● Led the refurbishment of multiple cooling tower cells, achieving a 100% success rate in restoring operational efficiency, completing the refurbishment on schedule.
● Implemented innovative repair methods that reduced refurbishment time by 15% to meet the tight deadlines.
EDUCATION
MSc, Mechanical Engineering
Linnaeus University • Sweden • August 2015
B.Eng. Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
Copperbelt University • Kitwe (Zambia) • January 2011 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Fellow Member, Engineering Institution of Zambia
Member, International Association of Engineers (Membership Number: 379778) LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Certificate of Competency in Project Management for Engineers and Technicians, Engineering Institute of Technology
Professional Certificate of Competency in Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Engineering Institute of Technology
Google Project Management Certification, Cousera
Smart Cities for sustainable development, World Bank Group (Open Learning Campus) REFERENCES
1. Zengachalo Mseteka, **********.*******@****.***, 096******* 2. Dr. Kabaso Musonda, *******@*****.***, 095******* 3. Dr. Brian Mwewa, *****.******@****.***, 096*******
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