Engineer - Blasting

Orica; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Orica seeks a Technical Services Engineer for Underground Mining to join the Mining Services Technical team in Kurri Kurri, NSW. You will apply your engineering expertise to solve blasting challenges, optimise outcomes, and support safe, efficient mining operations.

The role involves extensive travel across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand, collaborating with site teams and global specialists to deliver practical blasting solutions and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum five years of underground drill and blast experience.
• Strong understanding of development and/or production blasting.
• Experience using blast design and modelling software such as Deswik, ShotPlus or similar.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in dynamic operating environments.
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience managing blast vibration and environmental impacts will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Design, review and optimise underground blast outcomes across production and development activities.
• Work directly with site teams to diagnose and resolve blasting challenges in operational environments.
• Lead or support technical improvement projects focused on fragmentation, dilution control, cycle time and cost performance.
• Provide technical guidance across blast design, initiation systems, loading practices and blast execution.
• Manage and advise on blast vibration and environmental impacts, particularly in sensitive operating environments.
• Support product trials, technology implementation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Orica specialists locally and globally to deliver practical solutions to complex blasting challenges.

Skills

Mining Eng degree

Underground drill & blast

Blast design software

Stakeholder engagement

Independent decision making

Education

Mining Engineering degree

Tools

Deswik

ShotPlus

Job description

At Orica, it’s the power of our people that drives change and shapes our future. Every day, across more than 15,000 people globally, we help mobilise the resources the world relies on.

We’re changing how blasting is done through digital systems, automation and new ways of thinking about performance, safety and environmental impact.

As the global leader in mining and civil blasting, Orica continues to invest in the people, technologies and solutions shaping the future of the industry.

About Orica

At Orica, it’s the power of our people that drives change and shapes our future. Every day, across more than 15,000 people globally, we help mobilise the resources the world relies on.

We’re changing how blasting is done through digital systems, automation and new ways of thinking about performance, safety and environmental impact.

As the global leader in mining and civil blasting, Orica continues to invest in the people, technologies and solutions shaping the future of the industry.

About the role

We are seeking experienced Technical Services Engineer - Underground Mining to join Orica’s Mining Services Technical team in Kurri Kurri, NSW. This is a field-facing technical role where you will work directly with underground mining customers across Australia and New Zealand, applying your engineering expertise to solve complex blasting challenges, optimise blast outcomes, and support safe, efficient mining operations. You will be trusted to provide practical, value-driven solutions while building strong partnerships with site teams and stakeholders.

Operating on an 8 days on / 6 days off roster, this position offers the opportunity to travel extensively across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand, gaining exposure to a diverse range of underground mining environments, commodities, and operational practices. You will play a key role in troubleshooting operational challenges, improving blast performance, and delivering technical support that drives measurable results for our customers.

As part of Orica’s regional technical team, you will be supported by highly experienced colleagues and connected to a global network of drilling and blasting specialists. This collaborative environment provides access to industry-leading expertise, advanced blasting technologies, and ongoing professional development opportunities, enabling you to deepen your technical capability while remaining at the forefront of innovation in underground mining.

What you will be doing

• Design, review and optimise underground blast outcomes across production and development activities;
• Work directly with site teams to diagnose and resolve blasting challenges in operational environments;
• Lead or support technical improvement projects focused on fragmentation, dilution control, cycle time and cost performance;
• Provide technical guidance across blast design, initiation systems, loading practices and blast execution;
• Manage and advise on blast vibration and environmental impacts, particularly in sensitive operating environments;
• Support product trials, technology implementation and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Collaborate with Orica specialists locally and globally to deliver practical solutions to complex blasting challenges.

What you will bring

• Degree qualification in Mining Engineering or a related discipline;
• Minimum five years of underground drill and blast experience in operational or technical roles;
• Strong practical understanding of development and/or production blasting;
• Experience using blast design and modelling software such as Deswik, ShotPlus or similar;
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in dynamic operating environments;
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Experience managing blast vibration and environmental impacts will be highly regarded.

What we offer

As part of a truly global company, you will have the ability to grow and learn in a diverse, collaborative culture. We foster relationships and learning through connected global and local teams, promote flexible and diverse career paths and support the development of your knowledge and skills.

You will be paid a competitive salary, learn from talented individuals across multiple disciplines and be able to thrive in a safe workplace within a collaborative culture. Ignite your career at a place where your distinct potential can find its home.

We respect and value all

Orica promotes and fosters a culture of inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment everywhere we operate. We treat our people and applicants with fairness, dignity, and respect, getting the best of everyone’s contributions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, nationality, age, military or veteran, marital or disability status.