Senior Backfill Engineer - Prominent Hill

About Copper SA Operations at BHP

 
BHP is a global resources company operating across more than 90 locations worldwide. Through Copper South Australia (Copper SA), we are building a leading copper portfolio that supports the global energy transition, supplying materials essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.  

For you, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and help shape the future of one of Australia's leading copper businesses. 

About Prominent Hill

Prominent Hill is a well-established copper‑gold operation within BHP’s Minerals Australia portfolio, with a strong future and ongoing investment. 

Located 650km north‑west of Adelaide, the site operates across underground and surface mining and is located on the traditional lands of the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people. Prominent Hill produces one of the highest grades of copper concentrate in the world. 

A major shaft project is supporting underground expansion and extending mine life to at least 2040, creating long-term opportunities across the operation. 

It’s a technically complex site where you can build your skills, take on new challenges, and be part of a team where safety and looking out for each other matters.  new challenges, and be part of a team where safety and looking out for each other matters.

About the Role

The Senior Backfill Engineer sits within the Technical Services department and provides leadership and subject matter expertise to support underground backfilling systems at Prominent Hill.

You will play a key role supporting Paste Fill and Rockfill operations, including backfill strategy, reticulation design, stope design interaction, and backfill performance optimisation.

This is an excellent opportunity to combine your team leadership background and technical expertise in backfill engineering within a collaborative, safety‑focused Technical Services environment.

The position is based at Prominent Hill on an 8/6 FIFO roster from Adelaide or Port Augusta.

In this role you will be responsible for :

• Reviewing and optimising paste fill mix designs based on exposure stability requirements and stope performance


• Monitoring backfill performance, including strength testing, QA/QC results, and stope reconciliations


• Providing technical input and governance for Paste Fill and Rockfill systems


• Design, review, and optimisation of paste fill reticulation systems, including layout, operating pressures, and capacity considerations


• Undertaking and reviewing paste fill flow modelling to support system performance, debottlenecking, and future planning


• Developing, reviewing, and maintaining backfill procedures, standards, and technical documentation


• Supporting investigations, risk assessments, and change management processes related to backfill systems


• Lead and coach engineers, uplift capability, and build a culture focused on quality


• Compiling technical reports and providing expertise to support production performance analysis and business planning


• Drive collaboration with Geotechnical, Mine Planning, and Operations teams to ensure safe, effective backfill design and execution

About You

• A tertiary qualification in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline


• Experience with underground mining backfill roles, Paste Fill and/or Rockfill systems, including reticulation design or flow modelling, is highly regarded


• Familiarity with mining software (e.g. Deswik)


• Demonstrated experience in an underground or technical mining engineering role


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability with a systems‑based approach


• Proven ability to influence outcomes and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams


• Well-developed communication skills with an interest in providing technical leadership, support and solutions.


• Demonstrate the confidence to lead by example, hold yourself and others accountable and decision making.


• Effective and influential team leadership experience with proven change culture demonstrated.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At BHP, you’ll do meaningful work in an environment that supports you to perform at your best; on site and at home. That’s why our benefits are designed to support your health, your growth, and your personal balance:

• Grow your career your way, with opportunities to develop and move across BHP


• Be rewarded with competitive pay, performance bonuses and our BHP employee share plan


• Work in an inclusive team where people support each other every day


• Enjoy flexibility and family-friendly options that help you balance work and life


• Access wellbeing support, including 24/7 confidential assistance for you and your family


• Build your future with benefits like paid parental leave, recognition programs, etc. 

Life at Prominent Hill

Life on site is designed to help you switch on for work and switch off when it matters, with a modern on‑site village that supports comfort, connection, and wellbeing:

• Your own private, comfortable room to relax and recharge.


• Great facilities including a state-of-the-art gym (open daily from 3am to 9pm, with personal training available), sporting areas, and places to unwind.


• A wide range of activities to stay active and social, including basketball, tennis, soccer, mini-golf, and a music room.


• Opportunities to recharge your way, swimming, walking tracks between site and village, bike hire, and quiet spaces.


• Dedicated areas to relax and disconnect, including gaming spaces and wellness options such as meditation or stargazing on the star deck.


• Reliable Wi-Fi to stay connected with family and friends.


• A unique site environment, including sunrises you won’t see anywhere else 

And so much more! 

How to Apply

Please apply before 23 August 2026

About Our Process

At BHP, we are committed to employing individuals who align with the BHP Charter Values and meet the requirements of the role. As part of the recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted to demonstrate applicants’ suitability for a role including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.  

We Support a Diverse Workforce

At BHP, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and can thrive. Our workforce reflects the communities where we operate, and we value all aspects of identity; gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, education, and more.  

We ensure that our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and equitable. If you have a disability and need adjustments, please contact us at [email protected].