Senior Geotechnical Engineer

North West Queensland; Cobar; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmony is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to identify hazards and develop practical geotechnical strategies for our underground operations in New South Wales. You will work with the Geotechnical, Survey & Backfill team to improve ground support, monitoring, and backfill design while ensuring compliance with company standards and regulations.

The role requires 5–10 years of underground mining experience, a degree in Mining/Geology/Civil or related field, and proficiency with Deswik and

Qualifications

• Degree required in mining-related field; 5–10 years underground experience.
• Strong geotechnical design and backfill knowledge.
• Familiarity with backfill design, monitoring, and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Identify geotechnical hazards and mitigate risks across mine operations.
• Develop and maintain geotechnical records and monitoring systems.
• Contribute to long-term mine design input and 3MRS/L0A planning.
• Mentor junior team members and collaborate with underground stakeholders.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Ground control

Numerical modelling

Seismic monitoring

Education

Degree in Mining, Geology, Civil, or related Engineering field

Driver's license

Tools

Deswik

Rocscience

IMS seismic software

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Geotechnical, Survey & Backfill Superintendent, the Senior Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for identifying potential geotechnical hazards and mitigating risks by providing sound and practical geotechnical strategies.

Roster

This role will be based onsite in Cobar, NSW working an 8/6 days FIFO roster from Brisbane or Sydney with local candidates highly regarded.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Identify opportunities for improvements in the geotechnical / backfill space such as optimise ground support, monitoring systems, work processes, and tasks to create a safe, effective, and efficient mine operation.Ensure all geotechnical / backfill aspects meet with the company standards and government regulationsEnsure all critical controls are in placePeriodically review and update relevant PHMPs, TARPS and SWIs.Identify potential long term geotechnical hazards and provide strategies to minimise risk to personnel & productionProvide geotechnical input into the long-term mine design, 3MRS, LOM, and LOADevelop and maintain geotechnical records and databases with accuracy.Develop, review and maintain geotechnical monitoring and seismic systemsPerform numerical modelling to improve geotechnical analysis and assessmentEnsure effective application of critical controls in all backfill work plans Maintain positive communication and collaborate with all underground stakeholders to support objectives and achieve targetsProvide cost and budget input to the Geotech, Survey, and Backfill SuperintendentMentoring and assisting career development of the team.

About the Employer

Harmony is the largest gold producer by volume in South Africa and is a significant operator of gold tailings retreatment facilities. In Papua New Guinea, Harmony owns and operates the Hidden Valley mine and owns 50% of the Tier 1 Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project. In Australia, Harmony owns the high-grade CSA copper mine in Cobar, NSW and is constructing the Eva Copper Mine in Cloncurry, QLD with first production targeted for the second half of the 2028 calendar year. These assets are supported by the Harmony Australasia regional corporate office located in Milton, Brisbane.

CSA, one of Australia's longest operating copper mines, has a history dating back almost 150 years. The mine is 1.9km deep and has a reserve grade of 3.4% Cu. Located near the vibrant regional town of Cobar, CSA Mine is a long-standing underground copper operation with a strong connection to its local community. Our people enjoy a supportive team environment, meaningful careers and the lifestyle benefits that come with regional NSW

About the Candidate

Degree in Mining, Geology, Civil, or related Engineering fieldManual Driver License5-10 years of experience in underground mining, with at least 5 years in Geotechnical roleFamiliarisation with backfill (paste / rock) design process, and experience with inrush controls.Experience in using Microsoft OfficeProficient with CAD software, Deswik is preferredProficient with numerical modelling & geotechnical software (Rocscience)Experience with using seismic monitoring software (IMS software)Experience with ground instrumentation monitoring

Work Environment

Competitive salary including eligibility to participate in quarterly bonus.Opportunity to grow your career within a dynamic international organisation.Health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to gym and pool facilities to our employees and their dependants in Cobar.Join a business that is growing in Australia and exposed to the high growth commodities of copper and gold.