Rail Project Engineer - FIFO

About the Role

This is an initial 6-month role, with potential for extension, based across multiple BHP sites and operating on a 5/2, 4/3 roster. Flexible work arrangements are available. From time to time, the successful candidate will be required to adjust their roster to support shutdown and execution activities.

Reporting to the Lead Engineer, the Project Engineer will play a key role in the planning, development, and delivery of BHP's Ballast Renewal Program. The role will provide leadership and technical support across the full project lifecycle, from work enabling, long-term planning, and design management through to execution, commissioning, and operational handover. The Project Engineer will support the development and maintenance of the Ballast Renewal portfolio and five-year renewal outlook, ensuring alignment with asset management strategies, operational requirements, funding priorities, and network access constraints.

A key accountability of the position is the mobilisation, commissioning, and optimisation of mechanised track maintenance equipment used to deliver ballast renewal works. The Project Engineer will coordinate technical, operational, and contractor interfaces to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient deployment of these assets within a heavy haul rail environment, while driving continuous improvement in performance and delivery outcomes.

The Project Engineer shall be committed to providing support, including but not limited to, the following activities:

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of BHP's ballast renewal strategy and renewal portfolio.
• Maintain the ballast renewal project pipeline and 5-year look-ahead plan.
• Identify and progress work-enabling activities required to support future renewal programs.
• Coordinate engineering, approvals, procurement, contractor engagement, and operational interfaces to ensure project readiness.
• Assist with the design management of track infrastructures.
• Develop detailed project schedules and execution strategies.
• Assist the mobilisation and commissioning of mechanised track maintenance equipment supporting ballast renewal activities.
• Provide engineering oversight during machine deployment, testing, commissioning, and performance verification.
• Coordinate technical interfaces between equipment suppliers, contractors, maintenance teams, and railway operations.
• Monitor machine performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Manage the delivery of ballast renewal, formation rehabilitation, drainage, track renewal, and associated civil works.
• Ensure works are executed safely and efficiently within approved possession windows.
• Manage contractor performance against safety, quality, schedule, and cost targets.
• Interface with Operations, Engineering, Rail Maintenance, Asset Management, Major Projects, Environment, Heritage, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
• Prepare and present project updates to senior leadership.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience delivering rail infrastructure, track construction, ballast renewal, and civil projects.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects within a heavy haul mining railway environment.
• Experience with ballast renewal programs on heavy haul rail networks.
• Proven experience in the planning, execution, and commissioning of railway infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Track renewals and ballast renewal methodologies.
  • Rail formation and civil infrastructure.
  • Rail possession planning and execution.
  • Contractor management and project controls.
• Advanced planning and scheduling capability.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.

Desirable

• Direct experience with Ballast Cleaner Machine operations.
• Experience mobilising and commissioning mechanised track maintenance equipment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification or equivalent PMBOK-based project management qualification.
• Construction White Card.

Who we are

At PERSOL, we connect people to meaningful work and growth.
With decades of experience and a future-focused mindset, we're here to support your career journey. We offer fresh opportunities, trusted guidance, and a people-first approach.

We're committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace that embraces diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
We strongly encourage applications from women, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, and individuals from all communities.

Ready to make your next move? Apply now to join our team.

To learn more about life at PERSOL, visit persolaustralia.com Or follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/persolapac for the latest updates and opportunities.

Consultant

Taj.Pozzi@persolapac.com

Reference number: 210391708