Principal, Project Control & Instrument Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 27, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 23, 2026.
Who We Are
AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company with a diverse, high-quality portfolio of operations, projects and exploration activities across 10 countries on four continents. We pursue value-creating opportunities involving other minerals, where we can leverage our existing assets, shareholdings, skills and experience.
At AngloGold Ashanti, we assure you of work that carries significance and creates tangible results. What we do goes beyond mining. We build livelihoods in communities, champion environmental stewardship, and strengthen local and national economies. Our leaders and teams are committed to listening to and supporting each other, valuing differences, and embracing equity. We are convinced that greatness only happens when we prioritize these behaviors and the well-being of every person.
Learn more about ourVision, purpose, values - AngloGold Ashanti
Principal, Project Control & Instrument Engineer
Role Overview
Modern gold plants run on data: the sensors that read flow, pressure and density, and the control systems that act on them every second. As our Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer, you will help design the automation that keeps our plants safe, steady and efficient. You will be the in-house expert behind our studies and growth projects, working with engineering partners from the earliest concept to a plant that is ready to run. This is a brand-new role where your decisions will shape how our mines operate for years.
If you have built your career on both mine sites and design offices, this role lets you combine the two.
Your work will reach from the first study through to handover. You will work with our Director of Studies, outside engineering firms and site teams, and you will be trusted to say what others may not: where a design can be simpler, safer or better value.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert control and instrumentation support to our studies team, from first concept through to commissioning.
- Guide outside engineering partners on studies, and review their automation designs for quality, safety and value.
- Support our brownfield growth projects during execution when they need specialist help.
- Compare control system options and technologies, and recommend the best fit for each site.
- Challenge over-design and promote right-sized solutions that stay safe and compliant.
- Lead safety and risk reviews, including hazard studies and plant start-up and automation readiness checks.
- Analyse the cost and time impact of supplier automation packages and control system contracts.
- Work with international project teams and global engineering firms to keep standards high.
- Lead and coach a project-based team and develop junior and senior engineers.
- Influence decisions across functions and countries, even without direct line authority.
- Share lessons from site operations so that designs work well for the people who will run them every day.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor of engineering degree in electrical, electronic, mechatronic or control and instrumentation engineering.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This is essential.
- 8 to 10 years of engineering experience in mineral processing and mining automation, such as control systems, field instruments, remote communications and remote operations centres.
- At least 5 years at senior, principal or expert level, ideally in an owner’s team managing engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
- Advantageous: gold mining experience. Experience in other mining is also valued.
Skills and Competencies
- Expert knowledge of plant control systems, including distributed control systems, programmable logic controllers and supervisory control (SCADA) setups.
- Strong understanding of industrial networks and functional safety, and of international standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61511 and ISA.
- Hands-on knowledge of field instruments for flow, pressure, density, level, temperature and gold room and slurry analysers.
- Strong skills in risk-based technical assurance, safety in design and hazard studies.
- Sharp analysis and problem-solving, even in uncertain or fast-moving situations.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across teams and countries.
- A practical, value-focused mindset and energy for coaching others.
Work Environment and Expectations
- Based in Johannesburg, with regular travel to mine sites.
- You will work closely with the Director of Studies and external engineering partners, so strong teamwork across locations is essential.
- Mine sites are safety-sensitive environments. You will lead by example on safety and follow site rules at all times.
- This is a new position, so you will help shape how it works.
- You will report to the Director of Project Engineering.
Benefits Summary
- AngloGold Ashanti offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being.
- Medical insurance, employee assistance programmes, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
- Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in line with company policy.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Reg No: 1944/017354/06
AngloGold Ashanti is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, or disability.