Senior Research Engineer Ventilation

Presentation:

LKAB is seeking a Senior Research Engineer in Ventilation to lead R&D efforts that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in underground mining. Working in one of the world’s most innovative mining environments, you’ll manage complex projects, drive technical development, and shape ventilation strategies from concept to implementation.

The most important jobs of the future

We want to lead the transformation of our industry towards a sustainable future. And just as we want to change the world, we want to develop everyone who joins us on the journey, personally and professionally. Do you want to help shape the future of the world’s mining and minerals industry?

Your role

As a Senior Research Engineer in Ventilation, you will contribute to shaping the future of underground mining environments by driving research and development activities related to mine ventilation. You will be responsible for managing and executing R&D projects – including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and presenting results.

The role involves close collaboration with consultants, including project coordination, technical reviews, and quality assurance. You will work with ventilation system design and modelling across concept, pre-feasibility, and feasibility stages, with a strong focus on safety, energy efficiency and cost optimization.

In addition, you may take part in project or reference groups supporting the development of new ventilation infrastructure and provide technical input to operational teams when needed. You will be part of the Mining Technology department, contributing both strategically and hands-on to ensure high technical standards in current and future mining projects.

What you bring

You have a solid background in project management and mine ventilation design, backed by recent industry experience. Proficiency in ventilation modelling using Ventsim Design is required, and experience with ventilation design for sublevel or block caving is seen as a strong advantage. Prior involvement in research projects and report writing is beneficial.

You are confident using advanced features in Microsoft Office, and familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Power BI, Deswik or other ventilation modelling software is considered an asset. With strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, you work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and enjoy taking initiative in complex technical environments.

• Bachelor or M.Sc. level education in mining or another relevant field is required
• Have good communication skills and proficiency in English, both spoken and written
• Fluency in Swedish is considered beneficial
• A driver’s license (Swedish B-class minimum) is a requirement for all positions at LKAB

What we offer

• Relocation support for you and your family.
• Excellent conditions for settling in. We guide you through the official procedures necessary to settle in the country if you come from outside Sweden. We also provide temporary accommodation for a reasonable period and help you find a permanent place to live according to your personal needs.
• Reward program.
• Free access to LKAB’s own gym and our partners’ facilities in Norrbotten.
• Wellness allowance and educational support, along with access to an art association, leisure club, mountain cabins, and family activities.
• Enhanced parental pay with up to 90% of your regular salary for up to six months (after one year of employment).
• Support and assistance in cases of illness or questions about work environment, health, wellness, and rehabilitation.
• Compensation for dental care and protective eyewear, including terminal glasses.
• Opportunity to apply for scholarships for both your and your children’s studies
• Access to our pension and insurance program with favourable rates.

Additional information

You will be based in the city of Kiruna situated in Swedish Lapland, above the Arctic Circle. The community of the same name is spread out over vast areas and offer great opportunities for fantastic outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, ice climbing. See also Kiruna Lappland

Start: According to agreement

Employment type: Permanent

Occasional travel is required for mine visits to our other sites

You’re welcome to submit your application! Please note that the recruitment process is paused during July and into early August due to the summer holiday period. We will begin the selection process once we return, which means feedback may take a little longer than usual. Thank you for your patience – we wish you a wonderful summer!

For more information about the role, please contact our hiring manager Anu Martikainen, anu.martikainen@lkab.com

Union representatives:

Malmberget/Luleå

• Unionen Södra Katarina Paganus, 0970-762 98
• SACO-klubben Södra – Annika Taavoniku, 0970-795 32
• Ledarna Södra – Johanna Dahlin, 073-804 58 16

Kiruna/Svappavaara:

• Unionen Norra: Sakari Alanko 0980-725 08
• Akademikerföreningen: Peter Johansson 0980-71879
• Ledarna Norra: Ingegerd Kyrö 0980-71050