Principal Control Systems

BHP Career Portal

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

At BHP, we are a global resources company with operations in over 90 locations, committed to improving lives and creating a sustainable future. In Canada, we are developing the Jansen Potash Project, a CAD$14 billion investment located 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This project is set to become one of the largest and most sustainable potash mines globally, creating approximately 5,500 construction jobs and 900 permanent roles once operational. BHP is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2025, valuing safety, integrity, performance, and collaboration. Our vision is to achieve fully integrated and highly automated operations, driving continuous improvement in control systems with robust platforms for safe and efficient asset operation. The Principal Control Systems role within the Technology Engineering team involves developing technological solutions for our asset, focusing on organic and sustainable integration over time. This strategic and impactful role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and shaping standards.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in electrical, electronic, computer science, control systems engineering or related area.
• Relevant industry experience >10 years.
• Proven track record identifying and delivering control systems improvements with clear value.
• Possess strong technical capability in troubleshooting, system architecture, OT lifecycle management, and incident resolution.
• Strong technical expertise in system design, PLC engineering, SCADA systems and process control optimization.
• Experience governing and developing standards, specifications and simulation/testing methodologies for PLC, SCADA and process control systems.
• Demonstrated capability in risk management, identifying threats and opportunities and applying BHP’s frameworks.
• Strong prioritization, planning and resource allocation skills.
• Inclusive leadership behaviours — coaching others, fostering collaboration and supporting diverse teams to perform at their best.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, disciplined execution and customer value.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimize control system solutions based on technologies such as DCS (Distributed Control Systems), PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and Advanced Control Systems.
• Lead the development of Potash Control systems (DCS, PLC) and SCADA strategies, planning and tracking to ensure objectives are aligned and business objectives are met.
• Lead the asset management practice within Control Systems to ensure assets are managed.
• Provide central coordination and reporting of Cybersecurity activities to ensure the team remains in compliance with requirements and risk are managed.
• Ensure risk controls owned by Potash Control Systems are properly managed and owns improvement plans to improve team effectiveness and efficiency in relation to risk management.
• Own improvement plans to ensure interface with other technology teams are optimised so the overall control systems service can meet business objectives.
• Own the Potash Control Systems and SCADA 5‑year roadmap, budget, and full asset lifecycle management.
• Lead development and execution of Control Systems and SCADA strategy, planning, and operational performance.
• Define, track, and report KPIs, budgets (non‑labour), and performance metrics (e.g., GTO reports).
• Develop and select control system design solutions in partnership with vendors and stakeholders.
• Maintain and enforce control systems standards, specifications, drawings, and blueprint documentation.
• Own operational asset management standards for control systems and related technologies.
• Review and approve Functional Safety changes (MoC, CSMoC, handover).
• Support service owners and control owners to manage, optimize, and improve control system performance.
• Act as Contract Owner for PLC/Control Systems audit services.
• Coordinate interfaces with Technology teams (networking, infrastructure, cybersecurity) to meet SLAs and priorities.
• Design, implement, test, and commission control system solutions (DCS, PLC, advanced control systems).
• Provide technical leadership to projects and operations, including engineering reviews, commissioning, risk management, and adoption of emerging digital technologies.

Benefits

• Professional Development: Continuous learning and real opportunities for growth.
• Compensation: Fair and competitive, reflecting your role, skills, and achievements.
• Inclusive Culture: A workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to be themselves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees