Specialist Project 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.

Specialist Project Engineer

About the job

We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated Specialist Project Engineer to join our growing Water Management team at the Simandou Project, Guinea. This individual will be responsible for delivery of civil engineering designs, reviews, implementation, and QA/QC for infrastructure projects supporting mine construction and operation phases. This role is critical to ensure roads, water management systems, and other civil infrastructure meet Rio Tinto standards, IFC guidelines, and ESIA commitments.

This position will offer an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where your efforts will have a direct impact on our company's narrative and identity.

The role requires a passion for civil engineering project management and an enthusiasm for motivating and mentoring others in the delivery of highly technical work.

The position is offered on a FIFO roster basis.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering and Technical Leadership

• Lead coordination and reviewer with consultants on the delivery of complex civil engineers’ designs, ensuring alignment with HSE standards and site-specific design criteria.
• Develop and communicate engineering designs with Mine Technical Services, Mine Operations and Contractor and plans that address environmental, safety, and operational impacts.
• Develop systems and processes in-house for civil engineer designs, specifically related to stormwater management and erosion and sediment control to ensure ESIA commitments are met (for example, design criteria, wet season strategies and surface water management plans).
• Oversee implementation and adherence to approved designs (QAQC) and schedule.
• Provide technical sign-off, reducing risk of design flaws and project delays.
• Contribute to the development of Simfer’s surface water management standards and guidelines.
• Oversee flood risk assessments and preparation of annual wet season management plans.

Operational Support and Integration

• Coordinate with stakeholders and contractors to ensure timely, resource-aligned implementation.
• Collaborate with Mine Technical Services, Operations, Environmental teams, and contractors to integrate civil engineering designs into site operations.
• Understand site-specific operational constraints to optimize water management strategies.
• Support continuous improvement, cost optimization, and risk reduction initiatives.

Team Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in training and mentoring the Water Management team.
• Build strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Actively participate in cross-functional planning and coordination.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education and Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or similar).
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in project engineering with a strong civil engineering focus, including involvement in delivering of multiple large-scale capital and operational projects in construction and mining, preferably in remote or international settings.
• A manual class drivers’ licence.

Technical Expertise

• Strong Project Engineering background focused on civil engineering.
• Skilled in developing engineering designs, management plans, monitoring systems, and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).
• Proven experience in civil engineering design and review, flow assessment and flood estimation in high rainfall (>2000 mm) and steep topography regions.
• Practical knowledge of wet season planning including erosion and sediment control and surface water management in mining environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and GIS tools (ArcGIS).
• Experience with hydrologic/hydraulic software (e.g., HEC-RAS, PCSWMM, TUFLOW), culvert design tools (HY-8), mining 3D software (e.g., Vulcan, Deswik, Surpac), and sediment control software (e.g., SEDCAD) is advantageous.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; French or Chinese is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, multidisciplinary teams and meet project deadlines.
• Strong report writing, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Key Job Attributes

• Leadership and initiative
• Professionalism and enthusiasm
• Stakeholder engagement capability
• Holistic understanding of surface water management in mining contexts
• Self-motivated and disciplined

If you're interested in this position and think you've got what it takes, don't hesitate to apply, even if your experience isn't quite right for the job.

We are committed to promoting diversity within Rio Tinto and especially encourage women to apply.

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.