Specialist - Smelting Systems
- Permanent opportunity based in Invercargill – Domestic/Australian relocation assistance provided if required
- A strong safety culture and a values-based team environment
- Work in a unique and iconic New Zealand location — surrounded by nature and powered by hydroelectricity
Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
About The Role
The Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations smelting assets utilise a number of bespoke and industry‑standard production and operational technology systems to support operational processes.
We are looking for a
Specialist – Smelting Systems to play a key role in the DevOps Smelting Systems team by supporting the development, deployment, and ongoing support of applications, products, and services across the managed Pacific Operations smelters.
This role is based at New Zealand Aluminium Smelters and is part of the DevOps Smelting Systems team, which is geographically dispersed across the managed Pacific Operations smelters.
At NZAS, we are proud to operate one of the most efficient aluminium smelters in the world. Our process is powered by renewable energy primarily from the Manapōuri hydroelectric station which we use to make the highest purity primary aluminium available anywhere on the planet.
About You
This role is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual who enjoys both engaging with stakeholder group and working as part of a remote team. We are looking for a self-starter who wants to take the next step in their career whilst working for a global mining company.
Working Monday to Friday and reporting through to the
Superintendent – Smelting Systems, you will be
- Supporting the leadership and development of a small team.
- Focusing on value maximisation of Pacific Operations production systems.
- Supporting, improving, and deriving value from systems involving databases and time‑series data.
- Leading and planning work related to production systems operational support, maintenance activities, and projects, as well as supporting business activities related to safety, manufacturing execution systems (MES), potline automation systems, equipment usage, and more.
To succeed in the role, you will have
- A strong commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
- Previous experience with manufacturing plants and/or processes.
- Familiarity with Agile and DevOps practices for iterative delivery and continuous improvement.
- Experience with ITIL for effective work management and support.
- Relevant experience in a similar role or demonstrated capability to meet the technical requirements of the role.
- Demonstrated ability to solve business challenges using operational technology, while effectively managing cost and risk.
- Skills and experience in one or more of the following Oracle, SQL Server, database reporting, industrial information systems, data historians, and knowledge or expertise in process control and/or manufacturing execution systems.
- An energetic, positive, and enthusiastic approach, with a strong commitment to health and safety.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits including insurance, superannuation, and leave options
- Career progression and technical development pathways within Rio Tinto
- A strong safety culture and a values-based team environment
- Work in a unique and iconic New Zealand location — surrounded by nature and powered by hydroelectricity
- Permanent opportunity based in Invercargill New Zealand – domestic relocation assistance provided if required
- Great opportunity to join a global mining organisation offering outstanding personal development and career opportunities
- A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
- A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards
- Excellent retirement plan
- A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, short term sick leave, paid holidays)
- Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters
- Generous Rio Tinto employee share program
- Flexible working arrangements available
Where You’ll Be Working
NZAS is located at Tiwai Point near Invercargill — a close-knit and welcoming community at the southern tip of Aotearoa New Zealand. Invercargill offers an easy, relaxed lifestyle with affordable living, short commutes, and access to some of the country’s most stunning natural environments. You’ll be just two hours from Queenstown — New Zealand’s adventure capital — with world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and wineries at your doorstep. Whether you're into adrenaline sports, scenic escapes, or family-friendly weekends, Southland offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. The site is operated by Rio Tinto and produces some of the lowest carbon aluminium in the world. The Reduction lines is the heart of the smelter where our metal is made using the Hall-Heroult process and large volumes of DC power sourced via a direct link to the Manapouri power station.
Apply now and energise your next chapter with NZAS.
Every voice matters at NZAS. We are proud to foster a culture of inclusion, safety, and integrity — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
#gts
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.
