Principal Engineer – Process and Functional Safety

About the role

BHP is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead global Process and Functional Safety standards across its mining operations. Reporting to the Manager of Process, Functional and Fire Safety Engineering, you will shape safety practices and drive risk reduction worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Provide functional support to assets, improving Process and Functional Safety Management.
• Develop and maintain global engineering standards, procedures, guidelines and tools for safety.
• Lead governance and assurance activities, overseeing critical controls across BHP’s operations.
• Integrate safety principles into engineering and operational processes in line with industry standards.
• Mentor and coach engineers and operational staff, building technical capability.
• Collaborate with operational assets to drive safety outcomes and manage fire and explosion risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Engineering in Process, Control Systems, Electrical & Instrumentation or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in Process and Functional Safety Management within mining or other high‑risk heavy industries.
• Proven ability to lead strategic change and influence stakeholders in a matrix organisation.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and technical leadership skills.

Required skills

• Knowledge of Process Safety Management models.
• Experience with Functional Safety standards IEC 61508, IEC 61511, IEC 62061 and ISO 13849.
• Ability to review and challenge QRA, HAZOP, PHA, LOPA and dispersion model reports.
• Familiarity with asset management processes.