Principal Engineer (Underground Fire) | MECoE | Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth

About BHP

 

At BHP we support our people to grow, learn, develop their skills and reach their potential. With a global portfolio of operations, we offer a diverse and inclusive environment with extraordinary career opportunities. Our strategy is to focus on creating a safe work environment where our employees feel strongly connected to our values and objectives, and where the capability of our people is key to our success.

 

Come and be a part of this success.

About MECoE

 

BHP’s Maintenance and Engineering Centre of Excellence (MECoE) brings together a dedicated and innovative team committed to achieving and maintaining world-class maintenance standards across BHP’s global operations. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, empowering our people to make a meaningful impact.

At MECoE, you’ll leverage cutting-edge tools, technologies, and approaches to deliver real value, setting new benchmarks, driving continuous improvement, transforming services, and supporting our teams across the business.

About the Role

 

An exciting opportunity exists within our global MECoE Engineering team. We are actively seeking a highly capable and experienced Fire Engineer with a strong background in underground mining.

Reporting to the Process Safety Engineering Manager, the Principal Engineer (Underground Fire) will play a critical role in defining and leading global standards, applying industry-leading practices, and leveraging technological advancements to manage the risk of underground fire and explosion across BHP.

 

In this challenging and highly visible global role, you will act as a technical Subject Matter Expert and:

• Define, develop and continuously improve global standards, processes, systems, and technologies for managing underground fire and explosion risks.
• Lead governance and assurance activities, including oversight of critical controls across BHP’s global operations.
• Support material risk management processes related to underground fire and explosion priority group risks.
• Build and nurture collaborative partnerships with operational assets to drive improved safety outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Operational and Functional stakeholders to enhance risk management effectiveness.
• Communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels across the organisation.
• Champion innovation and change within a complex business environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and alignment with BHP’s Charter, Group Level Documents, Code of Conduct, and statutory obligations.

About You

 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent tertiary qualification; a specialisation in Fire Safety is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated of industry experience in Fire Safety Engineering, with a strong background in underground mining environments.
• Deep expertise in both active and passive  fire protection systems and controls related to the underground fire and explosion management.
• Proven ability to apply enterprise-wide risk management processes effectively.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and operation of fire protection systems.
• Strong understanding of underground ventilation principles and their role in fire and explosion risk. Solid understanding of International, Australian, and local codes and regulations related to underground fire and explosion risk.
• Familiarity with Asset Management processes.
• Exceptional technical leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills within a matrix organisation.
• High-level strategic thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• A track record of successfully leading strategic change initiatives and delivering impactful outcomes in complex environments.
• Experience implementing and/or managing fire safety systems across multiple commodities is highly desirable.

Location

This role can be based at our Australian corporate