Mechanical Structural Engineer

Project Engineer (OTML Owner’s Team)

Location: Tabubil, Western Province, Papua New Guinea

Employment Type: Full-time | Contract | Immediate Start

Employer: Tabubil Engineering Limited (TE)

About the Opportunity

Tabubil Engineering (TE) is seeking a motivated and technically capable Project Engineer (PE) to join the team in Tabubil. This is an outstanding opportunity to work within one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant and complex mining operations, supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure and plant upgrade projects critical to OTML’s Mine Life Extension Program through 2050.

The Project Engineer will operate from the OTML Project Office in Tabubil and be an integral part of the Owner’s Team that plans and executes projects across all stages of the project lifecycle — from Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) through to execution, commissioning, handover, and close-out.

Although the position is employed and paid by Tabubil Engineering, the successful candidate will be embedded within OTML’s Owner’s Team, reporting day-to-day to the OTML Project Manager (PM) and working closely with shared project controls, contracts, procurement, safety, and technical specialists.

This is an exciting, hands-on role for a professional who enjoys working on challenging multidisciplinary projects in a collaborative environment that values safety, teamwork, accountability, and performance.

About Ok Tedi and Tabubil Engineering

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is an internationally recognised mining operation with a long history of contributing to Papua New Guinea’s economic development. Located in the remote Star Mountains of Western Province, OTML’s operations include a large open-cut copper, gold, and silver mine, processing plant, hydroelectric power generation, and a dedicated port facility at Kiunga on the Fly River.

Tabubil Engineering Limited (TE) is a proud landowner-aligned engineering and construction company based in Tabubil, providing mechanical, electrical, civil, and construction services to OTML and regional partners. TE’s collaboration with OTML strengthens the capacity of local engineering services and creates employment, training, and career pathways for the next generation of Papua New Guinean professionals.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer plays a vital role in supporting the Project Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute engineering activities across multiple OTML projects. The position has a strong focus on early-phase project definition, FEED development, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.

Working within a high-performance project environment, the Project Engineer ensures all technical deliverables align with OTML standards, statutory requirements, and project objectives, while promoting innovation, constructability, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

1. Engineering Support

• Assist with the development, coordination, and review of FEED deliverables prepared by external consultants.
• Coordinate technical input from OTML stakeholders to ensure alignment with project scope, operational requirements, and long-term maintainability.
• Manage and track design queries, change requests, and technical clarifications to ensure timely resolution.
• Support and participate in constructability reviews, ensuring that design outputs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with site conditions.
• Contribute to the preparation of engineering documentation, including design criteria, drawings, datasheets, and design change registers.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to resolve engineering issues and maintain consistency across interfaces.

2. Procurement and Contracting Support

• Assist in the preparation of procurement packages, including scopes of work, specifications, and datasheets for tendering.
• Participate in technical evaluations of vendor bids and assist in the recommendation process.
• Liaise with OTML’s procurement and contracts departments to ensure that project timelines align with delivery schedules and that long-lead items are managed effectively.
• Track procurement progress and provide status updates to the Project Manager and stakeholders.
• Support vendor coordination, factory acceptance testing, and site delivery inspections as required.

3. Project Coordination and Controls

• Maintain project registers, including action items, risk logs, design queries, and deliverables tracking.
• Support project reporting, including dashboards, weekly progress summaries, and presentations to management.
• Assist with interface management between engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Participate in site visits, inspections, readiness reviews, and commissioning activities to ensure design intent and quality standards are achieved.
• Support the Project Manager in preparing work scopes, schedules, budgets, and project forecasts.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with internal OTML departments (operations, maintenance, HSE, and engineering) to gather input and feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, consultants, and suppliers to ensure a clear understanding of project requirements and expectations.
• Foster teamwork and positive collaboration across a multicultural, multi-disciplinary workforce.

5. Safety and Quality

• Uphold and promote OTML’s Safety, Health, and Environmental values at all times.
• Support risk assessments, design reviews, and the development of safe work methodologies.
• Assist with quality assurance documentation, technical inspections, and lessons-learned reviews to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or related discipline).
• 3–5 years’ experience in project engineering or coordination, ideally within mining, oil & gas, or heavy industrial projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of FEED, design review, procurement, and construction phases of project delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and document control systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a small team.

Desirable:

• Experience working in remote or developing regions, particularly within Papua New Guinea or similar environments.
• Familiarity with project management systems and contracts administration processes.
• Knowledge of OTML standards or similar mining industry specifications.
• Strong problem-solving capability and adaptability in dynamic project conditions.

Personal Attributes

• Safety-focused: Always prioritises personal and team safety in every task.
• Integrity-driven: Acts ethically, delivers on commitments, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Collaborative: Works cooperatively with colleagues, consultants, and contractors.
• Detail-oriented: Maintains accuracy in documentation, reporting, and technical control.
• Proactive: Anticipates potential challenges and addresses them early.
• Adaptable: Thrives in diverse teams and complex environments.

Working Environment

The role is based primarily at the OTML Project Office in Tabubil, with possible visits to project sites and vendor facilities as required.

You will be part of a collaborative team that includes project managers, engineers, schedulers, cost controllers, procurement specialists, and HSE advisors — all working together to deliver safe and successful projects.

TE will discuss all conditions of employment, including:

• Roster and working hours.
• Airfares and travel arrangements.
• Meals and accommodation (provided on site).
• Competitive remuneration package, reflective of experience and contribution.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Delivery of accurate and timely engineering and procurement support to the Project Manager.
• Effective coordination of project information and communication between stakeholders.
• Proactive management of registers, deliverables, and actions.
• Contribution to a zero-harm safety culture and quality outcomes.
• Upholding of OTML’s values and commitment to sustainable development.

OTML Values – Our Guiding Principles

• Safety – We care for our people, communities, and the environment.
• Integrity – We do what we say and act honestly.
• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and performance.
• Teamwork – We work together with respect and collaboration.
• Performance – We deliver results with excellence.
• Sustainability – We build a positive legacy for future generations.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview conducted by TE and OTML representatives. The interview will include:

• A short introduction to the project environment and expectations.
• 5–10 questions designed to understand your experience with project registers, coordination, FEED, and procurement support.
• An opportunity for you to ask questions and decide if this role aligns with your goals.

Example areas of discussion include:

• How you manage project documentation and registers.
• Experience supporting a Project Manager in reporting and coordination.
• Involvement with FEED consultants and design review processes.
• Role in developing or reviewing technical scopes and procurement packages.
• Coordination with contractors and vendors to meet milestones.

Interviews are designed to be open and conversational — the goal is to determine both your technical capability and your fit within the team’s culture.

Why Join Us?

This position offers more than a job — it’s a chance to be part of a project that directly contributes to the future of Ok Tedi and the communities it supports. You will gain exposure to complex multidisciplinary projects, enhance your professional experience, and work within a highly respected organisation committed to local empowerment and capability building.

Tabubil Engineering and OTML are committed to developing local and international engineering talent, fostering an environment where knowledge is shared and growth is encouraged.

If you’re passionate about engineering, project delivery, and working in a team that values performance, respect, and continuous improvement, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for applying.
• A detailed CV, including qualifications, project history, and references.

Join a Team Building the Future of Ok Tedi

If you’re a hands-on engineer ready for your next challenge, thrive in a structured yet fast-paced environment, and want to play a part in one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant resource projects, we invite you to apply today.

Bring your skills, enthusiasm, and integrity — and help deliver the next generation of OTML projects with Tabubil Engineering and the OTML Owner’s Team.