Engineer Mechanical

Date: 15 Jun 2026

Location: Emerald, Queensland, Australia

Company: Kestrel Coal

About Us:

We are Kestrel - one of the world’s largest producing underground coking coal mines, delivering around 7 million tonnes of high-quality metallurgical coal annually to global steelmakers.

But what truly sets us apart is our culture.  It’s not uncommon to walk down the breezeway and strike up a conversation with our CEO or Executive Leaders.  We believe that great ideas come from anyone, and we empower our team members to bring their insights forward - knowing they’ll be heard, valued and that the path from idea to implementation is refreshingly short.

We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.  Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, at Kestrel, you’ll find opportunities to grow, contribute, and have meaningful impact.

With a mine life to 2033 and reserves to 2046, we’re planning for a future that’s safe, sustainable, and full of opportunity - for our industry and our people.  We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and even more excited about what’s ahead.

 

About the role:

We are seeking interest for the position of Engineer Mechanical based at Kestrel Mine, located just outside Emerald in Central Queensland.

Reporting to the Superintendent Engineering, this role plays a critical part in supporting the reliability, safety and operational performance of Kestrel's underground and surface operations. You will provide technical expertise and engineering support across mechanical systems, with a particular focus on life-of-mine mechanical services, mechanical reliability and underground dewatering, air and raw water infrastructure.

Working closely with operational, maintenance and technical teams, you will contribute to the optimisation of asset performance, management of engineering risks and delivery of continuous improvement initiatives that support the safe and efficient operation of the mine.

 

Why you’ll love working here:

  • Work-life balance, working a Monday to Friday, or 9-day fortnight – the choice is yours.
  • Great pay and perks - Including competitive incentives and salary packaging.
  • Health-first mindset - With our award-winning Health Program and subsidised private health insurance.
  • Supported to grow - We’ll back your development through tailored programs like our award-winning ‘Unleashed’ Leadership Program.
  • A culture that walks the talk - Respect, agility, commitment and collaborating as one, aren’t just values - they’re how we operate, every day.

 

In this role, you will support Kestrel by:

  • Provide engineering support and technical expertise across underground mechanical systems and infrastructure.
  • Develop, scope and maintain life-of-mine strategies for key mechanical services and assets.
  • Support the reliability and performance of underground equipment through defect elimination, root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor and optimise underground dewatering, raw water and air systems and associated infrastructure to ensure operational effectiveness and compliance.
  • Assist in the planning, design, implementation and management of mechanical projects and capital improvements.
  • Develop engineering standards, procedures and technical documentation to support safe and reliable operations.
  • Conduct engineering investigations and provide recommendations to address equipment failures, operational challenges and emerging risks.
  • Collaborate with operational and maintenance teams to identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, availability and maintainability.
  • Support statutory compliance requirements and ensure engineering activities align with relevant legislation, standards and site procedures.
  • Participate in risk assessments, audits and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

 

About you:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Experience within mining, heavy industry, manufacturing or a similarly complex operational environment.
  • Experience with underground mining equipment, mechanical services, pumping systems, water management infrastructure or reliability engineering will be highly regarded.
  • Sound understanding of mechanical systems, asset management and reliability engineering principles.
  • The ability to analyse technical issues, identify root causes and develop practical engineering solutions.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on delivering sustainable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across operational, maintenance and technical teams.
  • A proactive approach to safety, risk management and continuous improvement.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Eligibility for membership, or membership, with a recognised professional engineering body will be highly regarded.

 

A Place Where You Can Be You:

At Kestrel, we’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Inclusion is active, and equity is intentional - not a KPI.

We celebrate people from all cultures, communities, and identities, and we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where you can be yourself.

We welcome applications from everyone - including First Nations people, women and candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds.

If you need adjustments or support through the application process, just let us know - we’re here to help.

 

How to apply:

Ready to take the next step?  Hit the Apply Now link to send us your resume. 

Got questions?  Reach out to:  recruitment@kestrelcoal.com

 

Applications close: 15 July 2026 

Please note:  We may progress suitable candidates before the closing date – so don’t wait too long!

 

What to Expect from the Recruitment Process:

At Kestrel, we’re focused on building the right team – people who bring energy, integrity, and the skills to make a difference.  Our recruitment process is designed to help both you and us make informed, confident decisions.

From your first enquiry to final offer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated in-house recruiter – someone who’s part of the Kestrel team and who understands the role and the workplace.

The process typically involves initial conversations, two-way interviews and a site visit so you can get a real feel for working at Kestrel.  We also conduct pre-employment checks including criminal history screening, medical assessments, work rights and qualification verifications, and reference checks.

We’ll keep the process clear, respectful and timely – and we’re here to support you at every step.