Principal - Control Systems

Whitehaven is the dominant player in Australia’s only emerging high-quality coal basin! With a culture based on our STRIVE values, our reputation for excellence in project delivery and safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operations continues to grow.

Our STRIVE Values connect us and define how we behave. Whitehaven Coal award, recognise and celebrate individuals and teams going above and beyond the requirements of their role to deliver excellent outcomes while demonstrating our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.

About the Role:

As the Principal – Control Systems, you’ll provide expert leadership, governance, and direction to the application of fixed plant control systems and technologies at Whitehaven. In this role, you will lead a team and oversee third-party service providers, ensuring all support and maintenance activities align with Whitehaven’s standards and operational requirements.

Reporting to the Manager – Operational Technology, you’ll play a key role in the management, configuration, and ongoing improvement of fixed plant control systems. Your technical guidance will help ensure these systems are deployed, maintained, and supported to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient operations across the group.

This position is based in Brisbane, with occasional travel to sites as required to support key projects and maintain strong operational relationships.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide expert leadership in the management, configuration, and support of fixed plant control systems across Whitehaven’s operations.
• Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and optimisation of SCADA, PLC, and related OT systems to ensure reliable and efficient performance.
• Lead a team of Specialists and external partners to deliver high-quality system support and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and support key operational technologies, including Pi Vision, CHPP workstations, Gate Access, Environmental Monitoring, and Automation Systems.
• Collaborate with site and ROC teams to enhance system functionality, strengthen change management processes, and drive operational excellence.

What You’ll Bring:

• A degree in Engineering, Control Systems, or a related field, with experience in mining or industrial environments.
• Strong technical expertise in SCADA, PLC, and control systems, complemented by hands-on experience with OT platforms such as Pi Vision.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop technical teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and vendor coordination to achieve business objectives.
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement, supported by excellent communication and change management skills.

Why Whitehaven:

• Full relocation packages available can be provided.
• 26 wks. Paid Parental Leave. 
• Competitive salary packages, including bonus incentives with salary sacrificing options. (local living & novated leases)
• Employee Referral Scheme - $4000 for Successful Referrals! 
• Employee Discounts: groceries, petrol, fashion, entertainment plus more.
• Career Development, Mentorship and Coaching.  

Whitehaven Coal is committed to increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace. We strive for an inclusive workplace that engages people from diverse backgrounds and welcomes diversity of gender, culture and experience.

Whitehaven Coal is working with the RSL Employment Program to support veterans and partners of current or former Defence members in finding meaningful and sustainable employment. If you would like assistance with your application, you can reach out to the program via the following link: https://www.rslqld.org/find-help/employment

Whitehaven Coal is an endorsed Circle Back Initiative Employer.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in Australia.

Reward. Opportunity. Recognition. Great Place to Work.