Contract Engineer

An inclusive environment for all
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves. We also want everyone to feel that their voices matter, that all cultures are respected, and that perspectives, as diverse as they are, are not only welcome, but essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other distinguishing aspect.

At Rio Tinto, we welcome and encourage applications from women, older workers, persons with disabilities and representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Everyone is different, and we believe that these differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences, and perspectives within our team enhances the way we work and our ability to succeed together.

About the role

The Contract Engineer – Maintenance Services is a national Guinean role supporting the Process Plant, Power Plant and Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) Maintenance and Operations teams. The role is responsible for the effective technical and commercial management of maintenance service contracts, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant and value‑for‑money service delivery across site.

This position plays a key role in building long‑term in‑country capability in contract engineering and contractor performance management as SimFer transitions from project delivery into steady‑state operations.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Engineering & Administration

• Support the administration and governance of maintenance service contracts, including managing scopes of work, technical specifications, service deliverables, and maintaining accurate contract records and documentation.
• Assist with tender evaluations and contract lifecycle activities by providing technical input, supporting clarifications, and preparing, reviewing, and implementing contract variations and amendments.

Maintenance & Operations Support

• Coordinate closely with Process Plant, Power Plant, and HME Maintenance and Operations teams to support planning and execution of routine, shutdown, and corrective maintenance, ensuring contractor resourcing, competencies, and work methods meet site and contract requirements while resolving day‑to‑day execution issues.
• Support contractor performance management by establishing and monitoring KPIs and service levels, participating in reviews and site interactions, tracking performance issues and corrective actions, and promoting a collaborative, professional relationship between SimFer and service providers.

Cost Control & Commercial Support

• Monitor contract financials by supporting tracking of spend, commitments, and accruals with Maintenance and Finance teams, and by reviewing contractor invoices and progress claims for technical accuracy and contract compliance.
• Support cost control and efficiency by identifying improvement opportunities within maintenance contracts and ensuring scope changes are managed through approved change control processes.

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure contractor activities comply with site safety standards, work management processes, statutory requirements, and SimFer’s safety, environmental, and quality expectations, while promoting strong safety behaviours on site.
• Participate in safety interactions, audits, and incident investigations as required to support continuous improvement and contractor alignment with HSE standards.

Transition to Operations & Continuous Improvement

•  Support ramp‑up activities by identifying gaps between contract scope and operational needs, and capturing lessons learned to inform improvements in future contracting strategies and execution models.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing maintenance service delivery, contract effectiveness, and overall operational performance.

Capability Development

• Actively develop contract engineering, commercial, and technical capability through on‑the‑job learning and coaching, while sharing knowledge and good practices with other Guinean engineers and administrators.
• Support SimFer localisation objectives by contributing to the development of strong, sustainable national capability in maintenance contract management.
• for enhancing quality and productivity.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or similar) or a relevant technical discipline.
• Training or certification in contract management, procurement or commercial management is desirable.
• 3–8 years’ experience in maintenance engineering, contract engineering, contract administration or related roles within mining, energy or heavy industrial environments.
• Exposure to maintenance service contracts for fixed plant, power generation and/or mobile equipment is desirable.
• Experience supporting commissioning, ramp‑up or early operations phases is advantageous.
• Experience working with contractors in a safety‑critical environment.

Technical Skills

• Good understanding of maintenance execution, work management and contractor service models.
• Ability to interpret technical scopes, drawings and specifications.
• Developing commercial awareness and understanding of contract cost, risk and performance drivers.
• Working knowledge of CMMS and work management systems (e.g. SAP PM or similar
• Fluency in English and French, with the ability to work in remote mining environments, travel as required and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety leadership and continuous improvement.

What we offer

Get recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped the world move forward.

• Work environment where safety is always the top priority
• Competitive base salary based on your skills and experience
• Annual cash incentives for eligible employees
• Career development opportunities and training assistance to achieve your aspirations • Access to family-friendly health programs, top-notch retirement and savings plans
• Wellness benefits
• Rio Tinto's generous employee stock ownership plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• One-on-one wellness support (personal and professional matters) for you and your family
• Comprehensive leave policy covering all important life moments (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, etc.)  
   

About the Simandou Project
The Simandou Iron Ore Project is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. It is Africa’s largest infrastructure and mining project and represents one of the largest known reserves of high-grade iron ore in the world.

Rio Tinto holds rights to Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 through SimFer, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). Construction of the mine, together with the associated rail and port infrastructure, is well underway with first production from the SimFer mine expected in 2025.

About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a global leader in the mining and materials companies. We are established in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and the prosperity of people, communities, and nations. We have been in business for 150 years, drawing on knowledge accumulated over generations and on different continents. Our mission – to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs – guides us in our quest for innovation and continuous improvement, with the goal of making products that are low in emissions and meet the right environmental, social and governance standards. But because we can't do it alone, we focus on creating partnerships that allow us to solve problems, create mutually beneficial situations and seize opportunities.

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