Principal Advisor Optimisation

Principal Advisor – Optimisation

• Promote the use of advanced Operations Research (OR) techniques to improve resources value
• Manages and leads Optimisation projects, as part of the Operations Research Decision Science (ORDS) team
• Provides expert technical support within Optimisation and Operations Research
• Support multiple product groups and commodities globally

• Permanent position located in Perth

About the role

We are looking for a Principal Advisor, Optimisation to join our Operations Research & Decision Science (ORDS) to manage the use and application of advanced OR methods underpinned by mathematical optimization across Rio Tinto.

This is a great opportunity for an industry expert with a background in mathematical optimization, to continue growing their careers in the mine and value chain optimisation space. You will work with many stakeholders, to provide expert technical support and advice on a range of optimization projects, such as mine planning, supply chain optimization, scheduling problems and grow your technical career. 

You will develop and maintain relationships with various key stakeholders, to drive a culture of collaboration, participation, and delivery value to the business. 

We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining.

We have technical development programs that are industry-leading and recognize the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

Reporting to the R&D Lead, Operations Research Decision Science, you will:

• Develop mathematical optimization model to solve industrial problems in mine & value chain planning and other supply chain and scheduling problems across Rio Tinto.
• Actively participate in the R&D on new optimization techniques for solving large-scale optimization problems applied to mine planning.
• Manage and implement optimization technique using the best practice in software development.
• Engage with clients and key stakeholders to address key business issues. 
• Identify improvement opportunities, develop optimization applications, and provide expert technical support to optimization projects in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Define, articulate and communicate the value mathematical optimization and modelling add to Rio Tinto.
• Maintain a network of third-party partners and manage engagement.

What you’ll bring

• Strong knowledge in mathematical optimization technique such as Mixed Integer Programming (MIP)
• Excellent skills in modelling industrial optimization problems.
• Expertise in Python programming (key requirement),
• C# and C++ programming with will be advantageous, as well as experience with commercial MIP solvers such as Gurobi, Fico XPRESS or Cplex
• Knowledge in optimization technique for solving large-scale optimization problems (decomposition methods such as Lagrangian Decomposition or Column Generation and other heuristic approaches)
• Previous exposure to nonlinear optimization and other OR techniques such as discrete event simulation and reinforcement learning.
• Excellent skills in software development
• Successful application of OR techniques and software development in industrial applications
• Strong knowledge in related fields such as Supply Chain, Mine Planning, Logistics and Marketing
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including an ability to build relationships with stakeholders
• Excellent writing skills, attention to detail and an ability to problem solve

Other skills and attributes considered for the role

• Experience in mine & value chain planning optimization (short and long term model)
• Experience in technical consulting services including the requirement to collaborate with multiple disciplines and stakeholders
• Exposure to software product delivery or data systems engineering with a focus on optimization systems, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence solutions
• Exposure to cloud and parallel computing
• Exposure to statistical analysis using software such as R or python language

What we offer

• Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you have helped the world progress.
• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidized private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• Attractive share ownership plan
• Company provided insurance cover
• Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership goals.
• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
• Possible domestic relocation assistance
• Flexible working arrangements.

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 over 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.

Where you will be working 

Within our company wide Information Systems & Technology function, we are building an internal software development and delivery team focusing on high value and strategic products for the digital transformation of Rio Tinto. By partnering with Rio Tinto product groups and functions, our team is developing innovative ideas to solve problems and enable better decisions through data analytics.

Every Voice Matters

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.

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.