Lead Project Engineer - Mechanical

Lead Project Engineer – Mechanical
SMP | Tier 1 Environment | FIFO 2:2 or 8:6 | $1,600/day 
12-months rolling contract
Interstate FIFO options available
 
Are you a seasoned Mechanical Engineer ready to lead delivery on a high‑impact brownfields leach‑train project? We are seeking a heavy‑hitting Lead Project Engineer – Mechanical to join the Owner’s Team on a major $220M CIL train project, currently in its delivery phase and operating in a fast‑paced, high‑scrutiny Tier 1 environment.
 
This role will support the Project Manager, providing the technical depth, SMP expertise, and delivery discipline required to keep this enabling project on track. With complex technical queries, challenging stakeholders, and design packages requiring correction, this role demands a capable, confident engineer who can hit the ground running.
 
What You'll Get

• FIFO 2:2 or 8:6 roster (flexible to candidate preference).
• $1,600/day including super.
• Fly from Brisbane, Alice Springs, Darwin, Perth (other locations considered, travel at your own cost to exit point)
• Long‑term opportunity spanning the full project lifecycle.
• The chance to impart your expertise on a new, critical project.
• Pty Ltd or PAYG options
• Local contractor support and payroll function
• Fortnightly timesheets
• Access to EAP services, retailer discounts
• NES Fircroft networking opportunities

 
 
What You'll Do

• Lead SMP delivery across a complex brownfields leach‑train scope already in full execution.
• Review and drive corrective actions for design packages that are not meeting standard.
• Manage ~80 active Technical Queries (TQs) and coordinate responses with external support.
• Provide critical mechanical support to the Project Manager (non‑discipline), ensuring robust technical decisions.
• Oversee package management, vendor performance, construction readiness and progress tracking.
• Lead a small onsite Owner’s Team alongside a broader contractor group (30+ personnel).
• Conduct progress meetings, chase down vendor deliverables, and enforce delivery discipline.
• Navigate difficult stakeholder environments, alignment challenges, and high site scrutiny.
• Support finalisation of civils (completing April) as SMP intensifies.

 
What You'll Bring

• Degree‑qualified Mechanical Engineer (mandatory).
• Plenty of experience in heavy brownfields mining or major processing plant environments.
• Proven ability to review design and drive construction delivery within SMP packages.
• Strong experience resolving TQs, managing design non‑conformances, and ensuring engineering quality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal ramp‑up time — true “hit the ground running” capability.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement within Tier 1 owner/operator settings.
• Strong organisational skills and resilience under high scrutiny and high volume workloads.
• Experience leading small technical teams while maintaining hands‑on technical focus.

 
Apply Now
If you're a highly capable Mechanical Project Lead with deep brownfields experience and strong SMP credentials — someone who can step straight into a demanding environment with minimal onboarding — we want to hear from you.
This is a chance to influence outcomes on a major Tier 1 project and play a pivotal role in its successful delivery.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and Australian working rights are essential.
MEC123

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.