Project Lead – Electrical
Our client, Rio Tinto Aluminium, is a world‑class mining and metals organisation transforming natural resources into the building blocks of modern life. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, Rio Tinto delivers high‑impact sustaining capital projects that support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across Australia. Within the Pacific Operations Sustaining Capital group, the Power and Automation Projects team delivers critical electrical infrastructure across multiple operational sites.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a self‑motivated and technically strong Project Lead – Electrical to deliver a portfolio of sustaining capital study and execution projects. Based in Brisbane and reporting to the Manager – Power and Automation Projects, you will manage projects across the full lifecycle, including Order of Magnitude, Pre‑Feasibility, Feasibility, and Execution. The role involves managing engineering service providers, developing scopes of work, reviewing technical deliverables, and engaging with internal stakeholders to ensure safe and successful project outcomes. Projects may include electrical infrastructure supporting remote communications towers, power stability initiatives, and sensing technology trials, with exposure to sites such as Weipa, Amrun, and Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL).
Key Responsibilities
* Manage sustaining capital projects across all lifecycle stages from early studies through to execution
* Apply the sustaining capital project management framework, including governance, assurance, and reporting requirements
* Develop, manage, and control scopes of work for electrical plant and equipment
* Conduct detailed technical reviews of contractor deliverables against scope, specifications, standards, and site requirements
* Develop cost estimates, manage forecasts, and deliver projects within approved budgets
* Develop and maintain project schedules; review contractor schedules and expedite activities where required
* Prepare detailed scopes of work and support tender processes, including technical evaluation and award recommendations
* Manage technical, commercial, and scope changes throughout the project lifecycle
* Prepare business cases and supporting documentation to obtain project funding approval
* Engage proactively with internal stakeholders, site teams, and external contractors to ensure safe and successful delivery
About You
* Strong electrical engineering background, combined with project delivery experience in industrial or infrastructure environments.
* Proven experience in the design, selection, and installation of electrical systems such as
* Solar arrays
* UPS systems
* Low Voltage and High Voltage distribution
* Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards and electrical legislation
* Experience delivering projects from early study phases through to execution
* High‑quality written skills for preparing scopes of work, technical documentation, and reports
* Strong verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder and contractor engagement
* A commitment to technical quality, consistency, and best‑practice electrical outcomes
* The ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and respond effectively to technical and commercial challenges
* A self‑directed working style with the ability to operate independently, supported by coaching from peers and leaders
* Willingness to travel to site locations across Australia on an ad‑hoc basis as required
This role offers the opportunity to work on high‑value, business‑critical sustaining capital projects in a supportive and technically driven environment, with exposure to diverse operational sites and long‑term infrastructure investment.
Apply now to take the next step in your electrical project leadership career.