Technical Officer

Technical Officer 

• Be part of a global team supporting exciting projects
• Lead and work in a way that puts the safety and well-being of employees, stakeholders and the environment first.
• Permanent opportunity based in Melbourne - Bundoora

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. 

We are looking for a Technical Officer to provide technical support to a variety of mineral and tailings processing studies.

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 programmes that are industry-leading and recognise 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. 

This role is a great opportunity to join the Technical Development team and be a part of Rio Tinto’s growth pipeline, supporting the studies that will define our future operations. Reporting to a Senior Advisor or an Advisor, you will:

• Set up and conduct experiments/tests e.g. hydrometallurgy or mineral processing testwork, solids/liquid separation tests, shear rheology measurement among others.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of nominated laboratory facilities
• Manage nominated laboratory health and safety requirements
• Manage aspects of projects (inc. budget and timelines) under the direction of the project leader
• Develop sampling procedures/practices
• Develop procedures and health and safety measures
• Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus
• Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
• Contribute to site HSE via leading initiatives and taking responsibility for HSE roles

About you

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• Several years’ experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Solution chemistry/hydrometallurgy bench and pilot scale testwork
  • Mineral processing bench and pilot scale testwork
  • Representative sampling techniques, sample preparation and characterisation (i.e. particle sizing, density etc)
  • Sample dewatering (i.e. flocculation/coagulation, settling tests etc.) & shear rheology measurement and data analysis.
  • Tailings geotechnical characterisation (ie. TML, Atterberg, Rowe cell etc.)
• Strong data analysis skills
• Commitment to promoting a positive safety and collaborative workplace culture
• Ability to communicate in a clear and precise manner with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently or as part of a diverse team.

It will also be beneficial if you have experience in some of the following:

• HSE leadership experience
• Good understanding of sampling theory and experimental statistical analysis/design
• Procurement of laboratory equipment and consumables

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 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 subsidised 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 ambitions
• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave) 
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more) 
• Possible domestic relocation assistance

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 and meet opportunities. 

Where you will be working

The Development & Technology group operates through the entire life cycle of Rio Tinto’s mines and assets, creating value through exploration, project development and technical excellence. Working in close partnership with all product groups, it focuses on finding safer, smarter and more efficient ways to manage resources and operations.

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.Please note, in order to be successfully considered for this role you must complete all pre-screening questions.

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.