Chief Engineer

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer (Engineering Manager) to manage and mentor a expatriate and national workforce in a major forestry operation in Papua New Guinea with its own hydroelectric power. This is a key role for a someone with an engineering degree or a trade background with extensive experience in heavy fixed plant equipment.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for the maintenance and optimization of mechanical and electrical systems and equipment, ensuring maximum uptime and seamless operation across the forestry site (including power generation).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of expat and national mechanical engineers, fostering a high-performance, safety-driven culture.
• Oversee the maintenance, reliability, and optimization of heavy mechanical plant equipment, ensuring peak operational availability.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in large-scale forestry operations.
• Ensure compliance with international and local and safety standards, focusing on heavy machinery and equipment.
• Manage capital projects, upgrades, and plant expansions with a focus on improvements and upgrades.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to align engineering solutions with business goals.
• Develop training programs to upskill the national workforce and promote knowledge transfer, with a focus on systems.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives in plant systems and equipment.

About You

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred), Electrical Engineering or a long term trade qualified career
• Extensive experience in heavy industrial fixed plant equipment, ideally in forestry, mining, or similar large-scale operations.
• Proven leadership experience in a multicultural environment, managing both expat and local engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including power generation, heavy machinery, and plant operations in large-scale environments.
• Track record of delivering engineering solutions that improve asset performance, uptime, and reliability.
• Experience working in an expat or similar international environments (preferred).
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills, particularly in the mechanical sector.

What's On Offer

• Competitive expatriate salary package, including benefits and allowances.
• Additional leave and flights home per year.
• Accommodation, travel, and relocation support for expat employees.
• Career growth opportunities within a globally recognized industrial operation.
• The chance to work in a dynamic and culturally diverse environment in the forestry industry.
• A role where you can drive real impact and innovation in systems for large-scale operations.

For any questions, please contact Jesse Lunardi on 0499021622 or email [email protected]