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Project Engineer - Decarbonisation Innovation & Studies

Fortescue Australia Added on Aug 8, 2026
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As a central figure in the technical evaluation of new green technologies, you will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of decarbonisation feasibility studies. This involves coordinating complex data sets, developing total cost of ownership models, and ensuring that innovative concepts move efficiently through the engineering stage-gate process. You will be the bridge between R&D ideation and real-world project delivery, translating high-level climate ambitions into executable engineering plans.

This role is a rare chance to work at the absolute frontier of industrial decarbonisation within one of the world’s largest mining operations. By validating the commercial and technical viability of Real Zero initiatives, you directly accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in heavy industry. Your work doesn’t just support a policy; it builds the blueprint for how the mining sector can eliminate emissions while maintaining a competitive operational advantage.

This suits someone who possesses a strong engineering or project management background and thrives in the analytical space where financial modeling meets technical innovation. You should be comfortable navigating the ambiguity of emerging technologies while maintaining rigorous governance standards.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus of this role is to provide project management and engineering support for innovation initiatives and feasibility studies. You will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of decarbonisation pathways, ensuring that concept studies are delivered with technical and financial rigor. You will develop detailed capital cost estimates and construction resource plans, while maintaining integrated schedules for complex electrification and emissions-reduction projects. Documentation is a key component, requiring you to prepare Basis of Design papers and presentation materials for executive decision forums.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to cutting-edge decarbonisation technologies and electrification pathways that are currently being pioneered at an industrial scale. This is an opportunity to master Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modeling and financial metrics like NPV and IRR within a green energy context. You will also develop expertise in gated study governance and innovation management frameworks. Working within a global green solutions business allows for learning how R&D initiatives are scaled into massive infrastructure projects in a fast-paced, agile environment.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Sustainability and brings at least five years of experience in project delivery. You should have a proven ability to manipulate complex data in Excel and manage schedules using MS Project or Primavera P6. Technical problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of industrial emissions reduction approaches are essential. Beyond technical skills, the role requires an agile mindset, strong facilitation capabilities, and the ability to communicate effectively with both operational site teams and corporate leadership.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight your experience with feasibility studies or technology evaluations in heavy industry. Fortescue values a 'can-do' attitude and a bias for action, so your application should demonstrate how you have successfully navigated project ambiguity to deliver concrete results. Tailor your resume to show your familiarity with decarbonisation pathways such as hydrogen, battery electrification, or renewable energy integration. Demonstrating an understanding of the commercial drivers in mining will show you can balance sustainability goals with operational reality.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role is central to the company's Real Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate fossil fuels from heavy industry operations. You will focus on the technical and economic viability of replacing traditional carbon-intensive processes with green alternatives. Specific projects likely involve electrification of mining fleets, green hydrogen infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. You will be the one ensuring these sustainability initiatives are not just visionary, but technically sound and ready for full-scale deployment.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

The main challenge lies in the technical uncertainty inherent in emerging green technologies. You will need to build robust business cases for solutions that may not yet be industry-standard, requiring high levels of analytical rigor and risk management. Additionally, you will be operating in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders across operations and project delivery while adhering to strict governance frameworks requires significant organizational resilience.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day involves a mix of data analysis and stakeholder facilitation. You might start by updating a TCO model for a new electrification project, followed by a meeting with the Decarb Systems Readiness team to track progress on an innovation pilot. Afternoons are often spent developing technical documentation or preparing slide decks for leadership reviews. You will frequently interact with engineering specialists to refine technical assumptions and ensure that the innovation pipeline is moving through the necessary stage-gates.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

There is significant room for growth into Senior Project Engineering or leadership roles within the Decarbonisation and Innovation divisions. As the company expands its global green energy footprint, lateral moves into different geographic regions or specialized technology sectors are possible. You will have high visibility with executive leadership through the decision forums you support, providing a platform to showcase your strategic thinking and technical expertise on the company's most critical sustainability projects.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with the Decarb Systems Readiness and Project Delivery teams to align innovation with operational reality. Communication with site-based Operations teams is also vital to ensure that new technologies are feasible in a mining environment. Externally, you may engage with technology providers and R&D partners to evaluate new solutions. Internally, your work directly informs the investment decisions of senior leadership and steering committees overseeing the decarbonisation roadmap.

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