Simulation Analyst Intern (Students with Autism Spectrum Only)

About Rio Tinto

Every idea, every innovation, every little thing the world calls ‘progress’ begins with a first step, and someone willing to take it: explorers, inventors, entrepreneurs, pioneers.  For nearly 150 years, Rio Tinto has been a company of pioneers – generations of people spanning the globe, all with the grit and vision to produce materials essential to human progress. 

Our iron ore has shaped skylines from Shanghai to Sydney. Our aluminium – the world’s first to be certified “responsible” – helps planes fly and makes cars lighter. Our copper helps wind turbines power cities, and our boron helps feed the world, and explore the universe. Our diamonds help us celebrate the best parts of life.

The Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) at Curtin University is an Australian social innovation initiative with the vision of harnessing the special talents of people with autism spectrum for the collective benefit of these individuals, the industry and the wider community. The mission of the AASQA is to enable individuals with autism spectrum to leverage their unique talents through outreach, training and educating, and graduate programs, to create pathways from schools to valued, long-term employment; whilst addressing the business needs of the Australian ICT industry facing challenges in attracting and retaining software and quality assurance testers within the sector.

RioTinto, the ACS Foundation and AASQA are in partnership to support this unique Specialist ACS Foundation WIL scholarship for students with autism and related conditions.

General Skills Required:

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and thoroughness in following systems and procedures
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Active Listener, self-driven, accountable and takes ownership
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Willing to ask questions and escalate problems where appropriate

Data Analysis – Analysing data to develop model inputs, validation comparison and decision context. Defining simulation experiments and interpreting outputs

• Can undertake statistical analysis of typical operating drivers (rates, reliability) to produce model inputs and to test appropriateness of model inputs & include sampling approaches
• Can identify and undertake data collection processes to source data for model inputs and validation data (i.e. SQL, databases)
• Can develop strategies to answer key business questions using scenario, sensitivity analysis and experimental design
• Can validate model output versus historical performance
• Can validate model output with input from subject matter experts
• Can interpret simulation output statistics to support business questions and test hypotheses
• Understanding of simulation input and outputs statistics (i.e. input uncertainty, warmup, replications)
• Tools such as Excel, VBA, Python, R, Matlab etc. are desirable

Problem Framing – Defining the problem that needs to be solved and framing the appropriate analytical approach

• Can identify and frame business problem, key decisions and drivers
• Can identify how analysis can influence and change decisions made
• Can identify and frame how analysis approach can fit within the business process
• Understands and can make trade-offs between models of different levels of detail and accuracy, and the implications for decision quality
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Note: Prior experience with simulation modelling or related tools is not mandatory

Successful candidates will gain experience in:

• Simulation modelling: Exposure to discrete event simulation modelling techniques
• Strategic influence: Drawing insights from analysis of model outputs to influence RTIO’s strategic outlook
• Central oversight: A central oversight on RTIO operations and understanding on how the different parts of the business interact
• Building stakeholder relationships: Building collaborative relationships with studies, operations and other long term planning teams across the business

This internship is open to WA University or TAFE students with Autism. Applicants should be working towards a formal qualification in Engineering, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Physics, IT, Computer Science or similar. We request applicants provide proof of Autism diagnosis as part of their application.

This role amounts to a $17,000 tax-free scholarship for 6 months full-time/pro-rata for part-time

You must an Australian Citizen or Australian Resident and currently studying at a WA University or TAFE  

Every Voice Matters

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.