Senior Ventilation Engineer

Protecnium is a global engineering consultancy with expertise in heavy civil works, tunnelling, construction, and energy. Operating across Australia, Europe, and the Americas, we provide technical support for complex infrastructure projects at every stage—from design and planning to execution and commissioning.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Ventilation Engineer to support the delivery of a major infrastructure and renewable energy project in regional New South Wales. The role focuses on large-scale underground works, including tunnels, caverns, and hydro-related excavation.

As the Senior Ventilation Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, optimisation, and monitoring of underground ventilation systems across multiple project sites. This position requires strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and proven experience working with Australian regulations and standards. You will work closely with site teams, stakeholders, and joint venture representatives to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of ventilation solutions.

This role is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant underground operations in one of Australia's largest infrastructure developments.

• Design & Compliance: Design, optimise, and monitor underground ventilation systems for tunnels and caverns, ensuring compliance with Australian mining, tunnelling, health & safety regulations.
• Technical Analysis: Conduct air-flow simulations, thermal load assessments, and troubleshooting of ventilation and air quality issues across multiple project sites.
• On-Site Support: Provide hands-on technical assistance during excavation, installation, and commissioning, ensuring high standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and mentor small engineering teams, managing deliverables, timelines, and quality while fostering technical growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent ventilation engineering matters in regular meetings with stakeholders including client, JV partners, government, and internal teams.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with civil, mechanical, electrical, and geotechnical teams to coordinate integrated project solutions.

• Experience: 8–12 years as a Ventilation Engineer, with at least 3–4 years in Australia; hands-on involvement in tunnelling or mining projects (mandatory, at least one of them).
• Technical Expertise: Proven skills in design, optimisation, troubleshooting of ventilation systems; air flow simulations, thermal load evaluations; strong knowledge of Australian OHS compliance.
• On-Site Knowledge: Practical experience during excavation, installation, commissioning, and ability to resolve ventilation-related issues under site conditions.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams and coordinate with multidisciplinary groups (civil, electrical, mechanical, geotechnical).
• Tools & Standards: Proficiency with ventilation simulation and thermal analysis software; preparation of technical reports; preferred experience with underground ventilation simulation software and familiarity with WHS standards.
• Education & Work Rights: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mining, or Environmental Engineering; fluent English (C1); valid Australian driver's license; unrestricted work rights in Australia (no visa sponsorship).

• Relocation required to regional NSW – no FIFO (fly-in/fly-out).
• Accommodation provided for the employee and their family (partner/children).
• Weekly meals covered for the employee while on-site.
• Company shuttle bus provided for site travel.
• Flexible working hours (Monday–Friday schedule).
• 20 days paid annual leave.
• Private health insurance provided.
• Camp facilities: gym and restaurant.
• Family benefits: accommodation extended to family; other benefits exclusive to employee.
• Relocation support to regional NSW.

• Opportunity to work on a landmark underground and tunnelling project in Australia.
• Long-term career development in complex international infrastructure projects.
• Technical training and development opportunities.

Note: This description outlines the general scope of the position. Responsibilities and duties may evolve to meet the needs of the project.