Specialist Engineer Electrical – Yarwun
- Join a prestigious team at one of the nation's most significant and complex refineries
- Gain invaluable experience across a diverse array of electrical equipment & projects
- Benefit from a balanced work-life schedule with a 9-day fortnight
About the role
Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Specialist Engineer Electrical to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in leading and supporting implementation of asset management programs, projects, and various work engagements. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring the successful execution of the discipline engineering framework, with a strong focus on safety, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
As a senior member of the engineering team, you will be providing engineering support to key areas of the Yarwun Alumina Refinery. This will give you the opportunity to work across a highly complex plant consisting of many different elements of electrical engineering including HV & LV switchgear, protection relays, VSD’s, motor control centres, control system, auxiliary equipment and improvement projects. Our diverse team works collaboratively across the Refinery and supporting assets (Residue Management Area & Materials Handling) to ensure optimal support for stakeholders. There is exposure to all areas of plant including 180MW Gas Turbine, 33kV & 6.6kV networks, 40 substations, 2000 motors & 15000 instruments.
Reporting to the Superintendent Engineering Electrical and working a 9-day fortnight, you will:
- Be a subject matter expert in either High Voltage or Low Voltage systems.
- Custodian of site fault, arc flash and protection calculations/studies.
- Support and review electrical asset management plans, provide guidance, expertise and direction in the implementation of recommendations.
- Work with engineering, technical and trade disciplines to identify improvement opportunities within asset management systems and processes by gathering stakeholder feedback to provide consistent engineering support for sustainable solutions.
- Provide expert technical assurance advice and engineering support for the management and operation of electrical infrastructure.
- Develop scope of work, equipment specifications and instructions to the required standards; modify and create electrical drawings such as single line diagrams & schematics.
- Monitor and support the implementation and compliance of engineering standards and associated assurance. Maintain currency of site electrical engineering standards.
- Contribute to proactive HSE measures through HSE shares, hazard study and risk assessments.
- Investigate and troubleshoot electrical equipment failures and develop plans and solutions to eliminate or minimise the business impact.
- Stay updated with the advancements in electrical engineering and incorporate industry best practices.
What you will bring
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
- RPEQ or CPEng qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in similar responsibilities
- Strong knowledge of electrical systems, design, and installations
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Leadership and mentoring skills to support junior members of the team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Familiar with regulatory authorities and Australian Standards relating to electrical installations and practices. QLD Electrical Safety Act, AS3000, AS2067 etc.
- Pro-active, goal oriented with excellent attention to detail.
- Safety first mindset.
It will also be beneficial if you have experience in:
- Site-based practical experience with commissioning and troubleshooting
- Power Generation
- Experience with electrical power system analysis software e.g. ETAP
- High Voltage Isolation & Access (HVIA)
- Control System / functional safety (TUV)
- Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas (EEHA)
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
- A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
- A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
- Opportunity to work on innovative and impactful projects.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP)
- Ability to grow your career with supervision and project opportunities to increase your skill set & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
- Access to top tier family-friendly health and medical programs
- Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
- A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, short term sick leave)
- Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters
- Generous Rio Tinto employee share program
- Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you will be working
Located in Central Queensland, approximately 10km north-west of Gladstone, Yarwun alumina refinery commenced operations in 2004. Processing bauxite from our mines in Weipa and Gove, Yarwun produces more than three million tonnes of smelter grade alumina annually. As one of the largest industries in the Gladstone region, Yarwun employs over 700 people and has a large contractor workforce.
Located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is a regional coastal community that offers families a wealth of opportunities for leisure activities, sports, and community events. With its natural beauty, residents and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and exploring the beaches and surrounding hinterlands. The strong sense of community spirit is evident in the numerous local festivals and events that bring people together, fostering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Gladstone truly combines the best of coastal living with a rich array of recreational & job opportunities, making it an ideal place for families to live, play, work and thrive.
Applications close on 10th August 2025 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date)
#GTS
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice Matters
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.
JOB_POSTING-3-9576
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us who we are.
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
Take a look at Shona’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentGeneral Manager Weipa OperationsWeipa, Far North Queensland, Australia
- 2020General Manager Bell Bay AluminiumLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2017Metal products DepartmentBoyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2014Reduction line Manager – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2012Services department Manager Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2011Manager Health, Safety, Environment and business improvement Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2010Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2009Operations SuperintendentGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2005Operations SuperintendentLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2004Graduate EngineerLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Our application process
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.