Senior Engineer Planning Medium Term

Date: 5 Jan 2026

Location: via McKinlay, QLD, AU, 4823

Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

 

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

 

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

 

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

 

 

ABOUT CANNINGTON 

 

Our Cannington operation is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead.  Located in northwest Queensland, Cannington boasts an underground mine and processing facility situated approximately 800 kilometres west of Townsville and a concentrate handling facility at the Port of Townsville.

 

Flights are direct to the onsite airport, and the mine is only 3.5 km from camp—the perfect distance for a sunset walk or run home along a purpose-built walking track. The onsite accommodation includes meal services, sports/gym facilities, swimming pool, music room, and social area.

 

 

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

 

  • 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
  • 14% superannuation contributions 
  • Ability to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave
  • The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans

 

 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

 

This role is a Permanent position on an 4:3 roster, FIFO from Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns, or DIDO from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and McKinlay shires.

 

As the Senior Engineer Planning Medium Term, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating mine design and sequencing across the 2-year planning horizon, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable production.

 

Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to: 

 

  • Converting long-term designs into detailed, integrated plans aligned with operational needs.
  • Driving design improvements through trade-offs and bottleneck analysis to optimise performance.
  • Embedding safety-in-design principles and managing risk across all planning activities.
  • Providing leadership and mentoring to the design and planning team to support growth and engagement.

 

ABOUT YOU 

 

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following: 

 

  • Strong mine design and planning experience in underground hard rock operations.
  • Ability to analyse complex designs and communicate insights clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  • Skilled in integrating geotechnical, ventilation, and scheduling inputs into practical plans.
  • Collaborative approach with proven ability to influence decisions within multi-functional teams.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and sharing best practice to enhance safety and efficiency.
  • Resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments with competing priorities.

 

Qualifications for this position are: 

 

  • Bachelor of Engineering- Mining (or equivalent) 
  • Qld Statutory experience desired 

 

 

Successful candidates must hold current First Aid and CPR certification (or complete training via an RTO before starting, with costs reimbursed on commencement).

 

Are you interested in this role but currently not located in QLD? Please don't let that discourage you. South32 is willing to offer relocation assistance for you and your family.  

 

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.  We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

 

This job advert will close on Monday 19 January 2026.