Job Overview & Organization Mission

Advance your professional career at Pilbara Minerals as Lead Design Structural Mechanical Piping (SMP) in Perth, WA, driving operational performance across key lithium assets.

Pilbara Minerals is currently recruiting an experienced and dedicated Lead Design Structural Mechanical Piping (SMP) to join the team in Perth Corporate Office, WA, Australia. Operating on a 5:2 Perth Corporate Hybrid, this role reports directly to the Engineering Manager and is responsible for delivering high-standard operational deliverables that underpin safe, continuous production.

Based at Pilbara Minerals’ corporate office in West Perth with potential site liaison, this position plays an integral role in driving engineering, systems governance, commercial planning, and continuous improvement across the company’s tier-one hard-rock lithium portfolio.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• SMP Engineering Design Leadership: Discipline design management and ownership of project identification, solution analysis, prioritisation and sequencing of works to meet the operational requirements.
• Brownfield & Greenfield Study Management: Discipline design management of identified growth project opportunities, including long-lead equipment identification, concept layout works, technical estimate / schedule involvement and project study input.
• EPC Vendor & Deliverable Reviews: Management of external design consultants to assist in the delivery of design works.
• Constructability & Hazard Studies: Overview of compliance to internal and statutory requirements, including delivery of safety-in-design values in team performance.
• Standards & Code Compliance Verification: Work closely with Studies, Operations, Asset Readiness and Project Delivery teams to ensure project success through all phases of scoping, execution and commissioning / handover.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Pilbara Minerals, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 8+ Years of verified operational mining or industrial experience in Australia.
• Accredited Engineering Degree: Extensive mineral processing wet plant design experience.
• Heavy Mineral Processing Background: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• 3D CAD & Plant Modeling Review: Analytical thinking and problem‑solving.
• EPCM Engineering Governance: Strong communication skills—able to engage technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Excellent Technical Communication: Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Pilbara Minerals, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$180,000 – AU$220,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%). (Salary structure is not officially stated by the employer; this represents the general industry standard for this position in Western Australia.)
• Quarterly short-term incentive (STI) performance bonus recognizing operational achievements and business performance.
• Direct equity alignment through the Pilbara Minerals employee share scheme.
• Comprehensive paid parental leave providing 18 weeks for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers.
• Annual health and wellness subsidy, salary sacrificing for novated vehicle leasing, and paid community volunteer leave.
• Full confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company chaplains, and KidsCo school holiday programs.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work & Career Growth: Progressive culture with supported career development pathways across a high-growth ASX lithium leader.

About the Employer: Pilbara Minerals

Pilbara Minerals produces and exports high-grade lithium spodumene concentrate to global battery cathode manufacturers. Operating the world-class Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia, PLS is at the forefront of the global transition to clean energy technologies.

Pilbara Minerals is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Pilbara Minerals careers gateway.