Senior Reliability Engineer

Date: 12 Aug 2025

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 have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Reliability Engineer to join our Engineering Team at Kestrel Mine. This rewarding position offers the chance to play a critical role in driving reliability and continuous improvement across our operations.

Reporting to the Engineering Superintendent, you will be based on site working either a Monday–Friday roster or a 9-day fortnight. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who values safety, thrives on collaboration, and is committed to achieving operational excellence.

 

Why you’ll love working here:

  • A permanent role on a site with a strong future – long mine life and room to grow.
  • Monday to Friday or a 9-day fortnight, the choice is yours.
  • Great pay and perks - Including competitive incentives, housing options, 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 and study assistance.
  •  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: 

  • Leading reliability improvement initiatives across engineering and operational teams.
  • Enhancing asset uptime through effective Asset Management, Condition Monitoring, Defect Elimination, Root Cause Analysis, and Machine Health Programs.
  • Coordinating, reviewing, and implementing reliability strategies to support equipment asset plans.
  • Applying industry learnings and emerging technologies to lead engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Supporting the development, maintenance, and governance of asset management strategies to optimise mobile mining equipment lifecycle performance.
  • Building strong working relationships with maintenance and engineering teams to improve asset performance.
  • Analysing equipment lifecycle data to optimise maintenance activities.
  • Monitoring equipment performance in relation to cost, output, and reliability, conducting targeted RCA and implementing sustainable improvement actions.
  • Providing coaching to maintenance teams in defect elimination and RCA.
  • Delivering detailed root cause analysis and “failure type” reviews.

 

About you:

  • Proven experience in a similar role, ideally within mining or heavy industry.
  • Tertiary qualification in Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience in FMECA, Asset Criticality, Spares Analysis, Maintenance Strategy, and Work Instruction development.
  • Proficiency with CMMS (SAP Work Management experience desirable).
  • Strong background in asset management, data analysis, trend identification, and implementing controls for continuous improvement.
  • Understanding of Coal Mining Legislation and Recognised Standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Hands-on operational knowledge of mining equipment and applications.
  • Commitment to safety, compliance, and best practice standards.
  • S1, S2, S3, and G2 competencies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex challenges.
  • Interest in achieving Lean Six Sigma certification and/or RPEQ status.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project).

 

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:  11 September 2025

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.