Heavy Mobile Equipment Specialist

An inclusive environment for allWe are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves. We also want everyone to feel that their voices matter, that all cultures are respected, and that perspectives, as diverse as they are, are not only welcome, but essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other distinguishing aspect. At Rio Tinto, we welcome and encourage applications from women, older workers, persons with disabilities and representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Everyone is different, and we believe that these differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences, and perspectives within our team enhances the way we work and our ability to succeed together. About The RoleThe HME Specialist is responsible for overseeing the assembly and commissioning of new heavy mobile equipment (HME) by OEM contractors and supporting a smooth transition from Operations Readiness to steady-state Operations. This includes validating build quality, ensuring compliance with Rio Tinto standards, and embedding maintenance readiness from the outset.

Working closely with multiple OEM maintenance service contractors, the HME Specialist provides technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring—particularly in the areas of safety, hazard identification, risk management, and procedural compliance. The role also supports early operations by delivering expert troubleshooting, reliability analysis, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective performance of the mobile fleet. Key ResponsibilitiesOversee and coordinate the assembly and commissioning of HME assets by OEM contractors, ensuring activities are completed safely and in accordance with specifications and Rio Tinto standards.

Promote a strong safety culture by modelling safe behaviours and ensuring contractors comply with site safety procedures, policies, and statutory obligations. Coach and mentor contractor personnel on hazard identification, risk assessment, field-level risk tools (e. g. JHAs, Take 5s), and safe work practices. Identify and escalate unsafe conditions or behaviours, and support incident investigations and corrective actions as required. Verify compliance with isolation procedures, critical controls, and high-risk activity management during build and commissioning phases. Lead punch listing, verification, and validation of mechanical readiness during pre-start and functional testing.

Manage interfaces with OEM representatives, project teams, and contractor crews during build and commissioning phases. Support the development of maintenance readiness plans, including workshop setup, tooling, spares, and technical documentation. Capture and escalate defects, build and commissioning delays, or non-conformances, and follow up on corrective actions. Assist with the transition from Operations Readiness to Operational phase, including the mobilisation of maintenance contractors and systems. Provide technical oversight to maintenance service providers during early operations, ensuring safe and quality execution. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in equipment performance, availability, and maintainability.

Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company maintenance standards. Qualifications & ExperienceTrade qualification in Heavy Equipment (e. g. Diesel Fitter) or Diploma/Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in HME maintenance and project delivery, including involvement in assembly and commissioning of HME. Experience working on greenfield or brownfield project start-ups, including operations readiness and transition to operations will be advantageous. Strong understanding of key HME OEMs (e. g. Komatsu, XCMG, CAT). Proven ability to manage or coordinate contractor teams in a high-risk, remote environment.

Sound diagnostic knowledge of HME systems (hydraulics, engines, powertrain, electrical, telemetry). Strong safety leadership and ability to enforce compliance in high-activity commissioning environments. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across project, operations, and OEM teams. Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and OEM bulletins. Proactive problem-solving mindset and strong safety focus. Experience working in remote or FIFO mining operations, preferably within the international mining industry. Fluency in English required, proficiency in French is an advantage.

What We OfferGet recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped the world move forward.

Work environment where safety is always the top priorityCompetitive base salary based on your skills and experienceAnnual cash incentives for eligible employeesCareer development opportunities and training assistance to achieve your aspirations Access to family-friendly health programs, top-notch retirement and savings plansWellness benefitsRio Tinto's generous employee stock ownership planEmployee Assistance ProgramOne-on-one wellness support (personal and professional matters) for you and your familyComprehensive leave policy covering all important life moments (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, etc. )  About The Simandou ProjectThe Simandou Iron Ore Project is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa.

It is Africa’s largest infrastructure and mining project and represents one of the largest known reserves of high-grade iron ore in the world. Rio Tinto holds rights to Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 through SimFer, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). Construction of the mine, together with the associated rail and port infrastructure, is well underway with first production from the SimFer mine expected in 2025. About Rio TintoRio Tinto is a global leader in the mining and materials companies.

We are established in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and the prosperity of people, communities, and nations. We have been in business for 150 years, drawing on knowledge accumulated over generations and on different continents. Our mission – to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs – guides us in our quest for innovation and continuous improvement, with the goal of making products that are low in emissions and meet the right environmental, social and governance standards.

But because we can't do it alone, we focus on creating partnerships that allow us to solve problems, create mutually beneficial situations and seize opportunities.