At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in underground mining while developing engineering skills.
- Company: Kestrel, a leading underground coking coal mine with a strong future.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work options, health perks, and tailored development programs.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds and providing support throughout the application process.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree or final year student, eager to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 $ per year.
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.
About the role
The Graduate Mechanical Engineer role provides an exciting opportunity to build a career in underground coal mining while developing both operational and technical engineering capability.
Reporting to the Superintendent Engineering, this role forms part of Kestrel's NEXTGEN Graduate Program and is designed to develop well‑rounded engineers through a combination of operational experience, technical development and meaningful project work.
Unlike many graduate programs, your first 12 months will focus on gaining a deep understanding of underground mining operations.
You will spend significant time working alongside operational and maintenance crews underground, developing practical knowledge of equipment, processes, production activities and the challenges faced by frontline teams.
This operational foundation will provide invaluable context for your future engineering career.
Following this initial development period, you will transition into a more technical engineering focus, supporting mechanical reliability, asset management, infrastructure projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
Throughout the program, you will be supported by experienced mentors and leaders who are committed to your development.
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 collaboration are how we operate, every day.
- In this role, you will support Kestrel by
- Developing a strong understanding of underground mining operations through hands‑on operational and maintenance experience.
- Working alongside underground crews to gain practical exposure to mining equipment, infrastructure and operational processes.
- Supporting safe and efficient production outcomes through active participation in operational activities and improvement initiatives.
- Assisting with mechanical reliability and asset management activities across underground operations.
- Contributing to engineering investigations, root cause analysis and defect elimination initiatives.
- Supporting the management and optimisation of underground mechanical systems and infrastructure.
- Assisting with the planning and delivery of engineering projects and capital improvement initiatives.
- Participating in risk assessments, audits and continuous improvement programmes.
- Developing engineering reports, technical documentation and performance analysis.
- Building strong working relationships with operational, maintenance and technical teams across site.
- Contributing to projects that improve safety, reliability, productivity and operational performance.
About you
You’re an enthusiastic and motivated graduate who is excited by the opportunity to learn how a world‑class underground mining operation works.
You understand that becoming a great engineer starts with understanding the people, equipment and processes that drive the business, and you’re eager to gain hands‑on operational experience before developing deeper technical expertise.
- A tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering or be in your final year of study.
- A genuine interest in mining, heavy industry, asset management or operational engineering.
- A willingness to work underground and gain practical operational experience as part of your development.
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with a desire to understand how things work and how they can be improved.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across a diverse workforce.
- A proactive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Sound computer literacy and the ability to learn new systems and technologies.
- Willingness to complete required site training, including underground inductions, medical assessments and statutory requirements.
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.
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Graduate Mechanical Engineer in Emerald employer: Kestrel Coal Midco
Kestrel is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Graduate Mechanical Engineers to kickstart their careers in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee development through tailored programs, competitive pay, and a health-first mindset, Kestrel fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. Located at one of the world's largest underground coking coal mines, employees benefit from hands-on operational experience and a clear pathway for growth within a stable and future-oriented organisation.
