📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Specialist Control Systems Engineer
Company: BHP
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Job Type: On-site
Category: Engineering - Control Systems
Date Posted: June 11, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Execute control systems design, provide technical support, investigate downtime causes, and implement solutions to enhance system reliability and performance.
Key Skills: Control Systems Design, PLC Programming, SCADA Coding, Technical Assistance, Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Vendor Management, Infrastructure Management, Electrical Engineering, Functional Safety Systems, Service Management Tools, 3D Laser Scanning, GPS Technologies, Fieldbus Networks, Variable Speed Drives, Analogue and Digital Actuators.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🛠 Control Systems Design & Commissioning

Execute control systems design, including PLC/SCADA coding and graphics, for plant modifications and new equipment installations.
Provide control systems support and technical assistance for breakdowns and production critical issues.

🔍 Downtime Investigation & Solution Development

Investigate and identify the root cause of downtime associated with control systems.
Develop and implement solutions to prevent repeat events, maximize Mean Time Between Failures, and minimize Mean Time to Recovery.

🌟 Continuous Improvement Initiatives

Deliver initiatives to support continuous improvement focused on increasing safety, reliability, throughput, and reducing risk associated with Control Systems and associated Platforms.

📄 Control Systems Governance & Maintenance

Govern and control accurate maintenance of the Control Systems Blue Print elements, including standards, specifications, drawings, processes, systems, and procedures.
Extend to the maintenance/development of Disaster Recovery & Service Continuity Plans.

📜 Software Licence Management & Lifecycle Management

Perform software licence management and rationalisation works.
Perform minor Control Systems/associated OT platform lifecycle management works.

🤝 Stakeholder Collaboration & Project Support

Establish and maintain close working relationships with relevant Technology Function & Site/Asset Stakeholders and service/goods vendors.
Provide control system engineering technical expertise to assist with Site/Asset and Functional managed projects that are associated with Control Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in control systems engineering, with a focus on PLC programming, SCADA coding, and root cause analysis. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and have experience managing stakeholders and projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

🎓 Education

Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or Mechatronics Engineering.

🕒 Experience

Proven experience in control systems engineering, with a focus on PLC programming, SCADA coding, and root cause analysis.
Experience working in a large, geographically distributed environment.
Familiarity with vendor and contract management practices & processes.

🛠 Required Skills

Experience with configuration and programming of applications/platforms, including CitectSCADA, OPC servers/platforms, Citrix platforms, Virtual Computing platforms & environments.
Experience with configuration and programming of various PLC Platforms (Rockwell AB, GE, Modicon & Siemens), Fieldbus networks (Ethernet, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, Devicenet etc), Pilz Safety PLC, Variable Speed Drives, analogue and digital actuators and sensors.
Experience with hardware and software for 3D Laser Scanning and GPS technologies as used in stockpile modelling, machine collision avoidance, and protection applications.
Experience with Functional Safety Systems design and maintenance.
Familiarity with Service Now (or familiarity with IT/OT Service Management tools).

🌟 Preferred Skills

Functional Safety qualifications (i.e., TUV Certified Engineer).

📝 Enhancement Note: While a tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required, candidates with relevant experience and functional safety qualifications will be highly regarded. Familiarity with ServiceNow or other IT/OT service management tools is also preferred.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong portfolio of control systems projects, including PLC programming, SCADA coding, and root cause analysis examples.
Highlight projects that showcase your ability to collaborate with stakeholders, manage projects, and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed technical documentation for your control systems projects, including system designs, code comments, and test results.
Include any relevant certifications or qualifications, such as Functional Safety qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves a significant amount of technical documentation and collaboration with stakeholders, candidates should be prepared to provide detailed, well-organized portfolios that demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a team environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be AU$120,000 - AU$150,000 per annum, based on industry standards for control systems engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Brisbane, Australia.

Benefits:

Flexible Working Options
Generous Paid Parental Leave Policy
Extended Leave Entitlements
Parent Rooms

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with the opportunity for flexible working arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for control systems engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Brisbane, Australia. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications, skills, and market conditions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: BHP operates in the resources sector, focusing on the extraction, processing, and marketing of minerals, oil, and gas.

Company Size: BHP is a large, global organization with over 62,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: BHP was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Team Structure:

The Control Systems team is part of the broader Technology Function and works closely with Site/Asset Stakeholders and service/goods vendors.
The team is responsible for delivering robust change control of Control Systems platforms to ensure availability, reliability, and production improvements.

Development Methodology:

BHP follows a structured approach to control systems design, commissioning, and maintenance, with a focus on continuous improvement and risk management.
The team uses tools such as ServiceNow for IT/OT service management and various specialized software for control systems design and simulation.

Company Website: BHP Website

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's large, global organization provides significant opportunities for professional development and career progression. The company's focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation creates a dynamic and challenging work environment for control systems engineers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the specialist level, requiring a deep understanding of control systems engineering and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Specialist Control Systems Engineer reports to the Superintendent Coal Control Systems Operations and works closely with other control systems engineers, site/asset stakeholders, and technology function team members.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the availability, reliability, and performance of control systems across BHP's mine site operations and port facilities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in delivering continuous improvement initiatives and enhancing the overall efficiency of BHP's operations.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The role offers the opportunity to specialize in specific control systems technologies, such as PLC programming, SCADA coding, or functional safety systems.
Team Leadership: With experience and demonstrated leadership skills, candidates may progress to team lead or senior engineer roles, overseeing the work of other control systems engineers.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role provides opportunities to work with various stakeholders, including site/asset teams, technology function team members, and external vendors, fostering a broad understanding of BHP's operations and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's large, global organization and diverse range of operations provide numerous opportunities for control systems engineers to specialize, lead teams, and collaborate with stakeholders. The company's focus on continuous improvement and innovation creates a dynamic and challenging work environment for professionals seeking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at BHP's Brisbane office, with the opportunity for occasional travel to mine sites and port facilities.

Office Location(s): Brisbane, Australia

Workspace Context:

The Brisbane office provides a modern, collaborative workspace with access to specialized control systems design and simulation tools.
The team works closely with site/asset stakeholders and external vendors, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with the opportunity for flexible working arrangements to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's modern, collaborative workspace and flexible working arrangements create an ideal environment for control systems engineers to thrive and deliver high-quality work. The opportunity to work with a diverse range of stakeholders and travel to mine sites and port facilities further enriches the work experience.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Control Systems Platforms:

PLC Platforms: Rockwell AB, GE, Modicon, and Siemens
SCADA Platforms: CitectSCADA
Fieldbus Networks: Ethernet, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, and Devicenet
Functional Safety Systems: Pilz Safety PLC
Variable Speed Drives: Various manufacturers
Analogue and Digital Actuators and Sensors: Various manufacturers

IT/OT Service Management Tools:

ServiceNow

Specialized Control Systems Design and Simulation Tools:

Various specialized software for control systems design, simulation, and optimization

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP uses a wide range of control systems platforms, fieldbus networks, and specialized design tools. Candidates should have experience with multiple control systems platforms and be comfortable learning new tools as needed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Control Systems Team Values:

Safety: Prioritize safety in all aspects of control systems design, commissioning, and maintenance.
Reliability: Deliver robust, reliable control systems that minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.
Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and learning.
Collaboration: Work effectively with stakeholders, including site/asset teams, technology function team members, and external vendors.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with site/asset teams, technology function team members, and external vendors to deliver integrated solutions that meet business objectives.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer-to-peer code reviews and knowledge sharing to ensure high-quality control systems design and maintenance.
Mentoring and Development: Foster a culture of mentoring and development, with regular training and skill-building opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's control systems team values safety, reliability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. The team's culture of cross-functional integration, code review, and mentoring creates an environment that supports the professional development and success of control systems engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Legacy Systems: Work with legacy control systems, requiring experience in reverse engineering, documentation, and modernization.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging control systems technologies, such as Industry 4.0, IoT, and AI, and integrate them into BHP's operations as appropriate.
Scalability: Design and implement control systems that can scale to meet the demands of BHP's growing operations and changing business needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific control systems technologies, such as PLC programming, SCADA coding, or functional safety systems.
Leadership Development: Build leadership skills through team lead or senior engineer roles, overseeing the work of other control systems engineers.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance your understanding of BHP's operations and business goals by working with various stakeholders, including site/asset teams, technology function team members, and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's large, global organization and diverse range of operations present numerous technical challenges and learning opportunities for control systems engineers. The company's focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development creates an environment that supports the growth and success of its employees.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Control Systems Design: Describe your experience with control systems design, including PLC programming, SCADA coding, and hardware selection.
Root Cause Analysis: Explain your approach to investigating and identifying the root cause of downtime associated with control systems and developing/implementing solutions to prevent repeat events.
Continuous Improvement: Discuss your experience with continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing safety, reliability, throughput, and reducing risk associated with Control Systems and associated Platforms.

Company & Culture Questions:

BHP's Operations: Describe your understanding of BHP's operations and how control systems contribute to the company's overall success.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Explain your experience working with stakeholders, including site/asset teams, technology function team members, and external vendors, to deliver integrated solutions that meet business objectives.
BHP's Values: Discuss how you align with BHP's values, particularly safety, reliability, continuous improvement, and collaboration, and provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Control Systems Projects: Highlight your most relevant control systems projects, focusing on your role in designing, commissioning, and maintaining control systems, as well as your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.
Technical Documentation: Provide detailed technical documentation for your control systems projects, including system designs, code comments, and test results, to demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Company-Specific Context: Tailor your portfolio presentation to BHP's operations and business goals, emphasizing how your control systems engineering expertise can contribute to the company's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHP's interview process focuses on assessing candidates' technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. By preparing for technical questions, company and culture questions, and presenting a strong portfolio, candidates can demonstrate their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Specialist Control Systems Engineer position:

Submit your application through the BHP Careers Portal.
Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant control systems engineering experience, including PLC programming, SCADA coding, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your control systems projects, technical documentation, and ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
Research BHP's operations, business goals, and company culture to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for contributing to the company's success.
Practice technical interview questions and company and culture questions to ensure you are well-prepared for the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Specialist Control Systems Engineer