Project Engineer Construction - Surface

The Project Engineer, Construction - Surface plays a key role in delivering major surface infrastructure projects that support the development of the Hermosa Project. This position is responsible for coordinating and supporting construction activities across a diverse portfolio of facilities and infrastructure, including process plants, roads, water management systems, power distribution infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and administrative buildings.

Working closely with engineering teams, project controls, contractors, consultants, and site stakeholders, you will help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality, schedule, budget, environmental, and community commitments.

This role is a site-based position located at the Hermosa Project, near Patagonia, Arizona.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety, Environmental, and Community Leadership
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure all work is executed safely and in compliance with company standards.
• Support achievement of South32's health, safety, and business objectives.
• Ensure construction activities comply with environmental management plans, regulatory obligations, and permit requirements.
• Promote alignment with community engagement commitments and responsible development practices.
• Participate in field inspections, risk assessments, and safety initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

Construction Planning and Execution

• Coordinate and support the execution of surface construction activities performed by contractors and subcontractors.
• Assist in developing sourcing and execution strategies for major construction work packages.
• Review and monitor project schedules, identify risks, and support implementation of recovery plans when required.
• Coordinate engineering deliverables and technical information between owners, engineers, vendors, and contractors.
• Support constructability reviews, HAZOP studies, commissioning planning, and operational readiness activities.
• Assist with development and revision of construction procedures and execution plans.

Contractor and Stakeholder Management

• Build effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, engineering teams, and operational stakeholders.
• Monitor contractor performance and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and improve outcomes.
• Coordinate contractor risk assessments and support implementation of mitigation measures.
• Manage the issuance and tracking of owner-supplied equipment and bulk materials.
• Coordinate site services support required for successful project delivery.

Project Controls and Governance

• Support annual budget preparation in partnership with the Project Controls team.
• Assist with progress reporting, cost tracking, forecasting, and performance measurement.
• Ensure compliance with South32 change management processes and project governance requirements.
• Coordinate equipment and material deliveries, including care and preservation requirements.
• Support preparation of construction documentation and upcoming work packages.

Digital Construction and Quality

• Support implementation of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) initiatives.
• Monitor VDC and digital construction performance metrics.
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with applicable quality standards, industry codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in site quality improvement initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Review and update construction execution documentation to ensure alignment with project requirements.

Leadership and Development

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to project personnel and contractors.
• Assist with assigning, scheduling, reviewing, and coordinating work activities.
• Support development of high-performing teams focused on safety, quality, and execution excellence.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and professional growth across project teams.
    

You are a construction professional who thrives in fast-paced project environments and enjoys solving complex challenges. You bring strong technical expertise, field leadership, and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, schedule, and budget performance.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline; alternatively, a technical degree with relevant trade qualifications.
• Minimum 6 years of experience supporting large-scale mining, industrial, or infrastructure construction projects.
• Experience coordinating engineering deliverables, technical documentation, and vendor information.
• Experience managing contractors, subcontractors, and construction service providers.
• Experience managing project logistics and construction resources.
• Experience working with both union and non-union workforces.
• Demonstrated success developing and maintaining a strong safety culture.
• Experience implementing environmental compliance requirements in construction environments.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, construction methods, trade practices, and industry standards.
• Understanding of project management principles related to scope, cost, schedule, quality, and risk management.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively within diverse and cross-cultural teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to operate a company vehicle and meet company driving and insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting major mining projects from design through commissioning.
• Experience with process plant, water treatment, power, civil, or heavy industrial infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), or other digital construction tools.
• Experience supporting commissioning, handover, and operational readiness programs.
• Knowledge of construction contract administration and procurement processes.