What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineer, DCS (Distributed Control Systems) position at Rio Tinto?
Engineer DCS (Distributed Control Systems)
We’re looking for an Engineer, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to support, maintain, and continuously improve electrical, instrumentation, and control systems at a large industrial facility. Over time, this role develops into a technical specialist position with meaningful ownership and impact across our operation.
As part of our maintenance and reliability team, you’ll partner closely with operations, engineering, and maintenance colleagues to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. You’ll report to the Electrical Engineering & Maintenance Superintendent and play a key role in maintaining the performance of critical process equipment and control systems.
What You’ll Be Doing
Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
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
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http //www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
- Location Salt Lake City, Utah
- Be part of a world‑class global mining organization
- Contribute to a strong culture of safety and reliability
- Work with diverse and technically challenging industrial systems
We’re looking for an Engineer, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to support, maintain, and continuously improve electrical, instrumentation, and control systems at a large industrial facility. Over time, this role develops into a technical specialist position with meaningful ownership and impact across our operation.
As part of our maintenance and reliability team, you’ll partner closely with operations, engineering, and maintenance colleagues to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. You’ll report to the Electrical Engineering & Maintenance Superintendent and play a key role in maintaining the performance of critical process equipment and control systems.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Maintain and execute updates or changes to site instrumentation and control systems
- Write, review, and support testing and commissioning procedures for plant instrumentation
- Train and support electricians and I&E technicians on equipment functionality, troubleshooting approaches, and safe work practices
- Perform root cause analysis on electrical, automation, and instrumentation issues, and help implement sustainable corrective actions
- Provide technical support to operations, including approximately 20–25% on‑call coverage for remote or on‑site troubleshooting
- Ensure all work complies with safety requirements, electrical codes, and Management of Change (MOC) processes
- Support improvement projects, system upgrades, and reliability initiatives across the facility
- Demonstrate Rio Tinto values of Care, Courage, and Curiosity in how you work and collaborate
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related technical field OR equivalent experience (8 years) working with industrial electrical and instrumentation systems
- At least 3 years of experience in an industrial electrical or controls environment
- Experience working with electrical, instrumentation, and control systems in industrial settings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of industrial electrical standards, codes, and safety requirements
- Experience in large industrial environments such as mining, refining, chemical, or manufacturing operations
- Hands‑on experience with motor starter circuits, MCCs, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, control, and instrumentation systems
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, loop sheets, and control logic documentation
- Experience with Emerson Rosemount transmitters
- Experience with Fisher control valves and smart positioners
- Familiarity with Allen‑Bradley PLCs and Emerson DeltaV DCS platforms
- Understanding of medium‑ and high‑voltage distribution systems (up to 44 kV)
- Experience with industrial communication protocols such as HART, Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus, and Ethernet/IP
- Be recognized for your contributions, innovative thinking and dedication, and leave each day knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
- Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
- Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
- A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges
Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
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
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http //www.ucis.gov/ for more information.