Principal Engineer

Harmony is the largest gold producer by volume in South Africa and is a significant operator of gold tailings retreatment facilities. In Papua New Guinea, Harmony owns and operates the Hidden Valley mine and owns 50% of the Tier 1 Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project. Harmony owns 100% of the Eva Copper project, a near-term copper project in Queensland, Australia. These assets are supported by the Harmony Australasia regional corporate office located in Milton, Brisbane.

This role will be offered as a FIFO opportunity from/to Australia working on a 16/12 day roster.

Reporting to the Tailings Manager, the Principal Engineer is responsible for providing technical and execution leadership for the safe, compliant, and efficient construction and operation of the site's Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). The role supports the Tailings Manager by focusing on construction execution, QA/QC implementation, and technical problem-solving, ensuring that all works are delivered to design intent and in accordance with ANCOLD and GISTM requirements.

The position works closely with the Engineer of Record (EoR) to ensure design requirements and dam safety standards are met, and with the Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer (RTFE) to support day-to-day operational accountability.

By bridging engineering design with field execution — coordinating contractors, supervising QA/QC programs, and maintaining technical records — the Principal Engineer ensures safe, compliant, and cost-effective facility performance.

As Principal Engineer, the key responsibilities of this role include:

• Construction Execution & Delivery
• Develop and implement construction scopes, execution plans, and sequencing schedules.
• Provide daily technical oversight of construction activities, ensuring works are completed safely, on time, and to specification.
• Liaise with supervisors and contractors to resolve technical and operational issues in the field.

QA/QC & Compliance

• Lead QA/QC programs for materials placement, compaction, drainage, and buttress construction.
• Review test results, construction records, and as-built documentation for compliance with approved designs.
• Escalate deviations or non-conformances to the Manager Tailings and EoR.

Support to EoR & RTFE

• Collaborate with the EoR to ensure design intent and dam safety requirements are achieved during construction.
• Support the RTFE by providing technical inputs, inspection findings, and QA/QC results to underpin operational accountability.
• Assist in implementing dam safety inspections, TARPs, and surveillance programs.

Monitoring & Risk Management

• Conduct regular inspections of embankments, pond levels, drains, and associated infrastructure.
• Identify risks and recommend corrective actions to maintain safe operating conditions.

Technical Documentation & Governance

• Maintain accurate records of construction activities, design changes, QA/QC results, and inspection reports.
• Contribute to ANCOLD/GISTM conformance documentation and audit readiness.
• Ensure documentation is transparent, traceable, and aligned with governance standards.

Team Development & Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and site technical staff, building capacity in construction execution and QA/QC practices.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the tailings team.

About You:

You must be a highly experienced professional who is self-motivated and able to work efficiently and collaboratively in a team environment holding the following qualifications and experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or Mining Engineering)
• Experienced in mining planning software.
• Wide range of experience in technical and engineering aspects of mine design and operation.
• Current manual driver's licence.
• Planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.

What are the benefits of working at Hidden Valley?

• The opportunity to work for an international mining company with a diverse workforce.
• Work for a company who values their employees and recognises their contribution.
• Excellent safety record.
• Corporate / discounted rates with Medibank and Qantas Club.
• Access to Harmony's benefits discounts scheme.

The successful applicant must be able to meet the requirements for a PNG Work Permit application and a Federal Police Clearance. If you have a current passport or can obtain one as soon as possible, and are confident you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil this role, then please apply now.

To learn more about Harmony, please visit our website

We thank all applicants for your interest and the time taken to submit your application. While we consider all suitable applicants, only those short-listed for interview will be contacted.