Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Owner’s Team
Rare Earths (REE) Project | 12‑Month Fixed‑Term Contract | Perth
$180,000-$200,000 + Super 

An opportunity to join an Owner’s Team on a landmark Rare Earth Elements (REE) process plant project.
A major resources project is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support delivery of a large‑scale REE processing facility. This role is focused on coordination, technical oversight, and package management rather than hands‑on design, providing strong exposure to senior stakeholders and complex project interfaces.
About the Role You will be part of the Owner’s Team overseeing a REE process plant comprising three major vertical mechanical and piping packages. The role involves close collaboration with EPCM and delivery partners to ensure engineering outcomes align with project scope, schedule, cost, safety, and quality requirements.
The position is Monday to Friday, office‑based in Perth, operating in a professional project environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager and Lead Mechanical Engineer in overall project delivery
• Act as Owner’s Representative for mechanical and piping scopes across multiple work packages
• Review, challenge, and endorse mechanical designs and technical deliverables
• Perform and review engineering calculations for mechanical systems and equipment
• Prepare and review technical specifications and design criteria
• Manage package engineering activities across the full lifecycle, including technical bid evaluations and vendor data review
• Participate in design reviews, technical workshops, and interface meetings
• Provide technical input into 3D models and 2D mechanical drawings
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers as required

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Senior experience on multidisciplinary engineering projects
• Rare Earth Elements (REE) project experience is essential
• Strong background in process plant mechanical and piping systems
• Solid knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations
• Experience working in Owner’s Team or client‑side roles highly regarded
• Confident communicator with the resilience to engage and challenge EPCM contractors
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently
• Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (preferred)
• Australian/New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or valid Australian work visa

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.