We encourage women and Indigenous Peoples to apply, as we advance our business to more accurately reflect the world around us.
About the role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Superintendent Ballast Cleaning to join our team in the Pilbara, Western Australia. The successful candidate will lead and manage the Ballast Cleaning program, delivering 70km of ballast cleaning on the Rio Tinto rail network each year.
The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of Ballast Cleaning across our extensive rail network. Your demonstrated ability to engage, connect and positively influence key stakeholders at all organisational levels will play a critical part in this role.
Reporting to the Manager of Rail Network Renewals, the key accountabilities of the role include, but are not limited to:
* Oversee the ballast cleaning program on the rail network, ensuring efficient operation to maximise the track cleaned.
* Oversee maintenance of the RM900 ballast cleaner and material handling wagons to deliver reliable operation.
* Lead a highly skilled team of 12 direct reports and 150 contractors to ensure efficient and effective operation and maintenance of the ballast cleaner.
* Maintain an effective and accountable relationship with our contract delivery partners to safely and efficiently deliver the ballast cleaning program.
* Support management of the capital budgets for the ballast cleaning program, ensuring cost‑effective solutions without compromising safety or quality.
* Implement and maintain effective safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
* Coach and develop the team to build individual capabilities and competence.
* Demonstrate Rio Tinto values of Care, Courage, and Curiosity.
What you'll bring
* Strong understanding of rail maintenance practices, including ballast cleaning and track maintenance techniques.
* Proven ability to manage large operational and maintenance teams.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
* Demonstrated commitment to safety and the proven ability to promote a strong improvement culture.
* Experience in fixed plant or mobile equipment maintenance and asset management practices, with prior experience in leadership roles at Supervisor or Superintendent level.
* Confidence in effectively leading, mentoring, and coaching team members as well as interfacing with senior leaders, with a desire to build and lead engaged teams.
* Flexibility to be able to work remotely as required.
* A current Australian driver's licence.
What we offer
* Recognition for your contribution, your hard work, and the impact you make.
* A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
* Permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto.
* Full relocation provided to Western Australia from elsewhere in Australia.
* Competitive base salary with annual incentive bonus.
* Comprehensive medical benefits, including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family.
* Attractive share ownership plan.
* Company‑provided insurance cover.
* Extensive salary sacrifice and salary packaging options.
* Career development and education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions.
* Ongoing access to family‑friendly health and medical wellbeing support.
* Paid leave for all life events (vacation, paid parental, sick leave, cultural leave).
* Exclusive employee discounts on hotels, banking, accommodation, cars, retail, and more.
Where you'll be working
Our privately owned and operated rail network serves 15 mines across the Pilbara via 2,000 km of track. With depots located at Tom Price, Cape Lambert, and Dampier (7 Mile), each train comprises three locomotives and 240 ore cars, reaching up to 2.7 km in length with over 40 trains operating per day. We are continuously applying and adapting technology to improve safety and productivity across the rail network.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We 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. All voices are heard, all cultures respected, and a variety of perspectives are essential to our success.
Applications close on Monday 2nd February 2026 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date).
Legal Requirement
Rio Tinto is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all applicable employment laws.
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