Tailings Process Engineer (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada)

Paterson & Cooke

Northeastern Ontario

On-site

CAD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Every other Friday off

Employer supported training courses

Opportunities for travel

Job summary

An international engineering specialist is seeking an Intermediate Tailings Engineer to join their Tailings and Waste Management Group in Sudbury, Ontario. This full-time role requires over 10 years of experience in tailings and mine waste management with a strong emphasis on quality engineering deliverables and supervising junior engineers. The ideal candidate will possess excellent project management and communication skills, contributing to safer, sustainable practices in the industry.

Qualifications

10+ years of relevant experience in tailings dewatering and management.
Experience in the design, analysis, and operation of tailings management systems.
Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario or another Provincial association.

Responsibilities

Lead design and analysis for tailings and mine waste management systems.
Supervise and mentor junior engineers.
Ensure quality and accuracy in engineering deliverables.

Skills

Dewatering knowledge

Project management

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mineral Processing, Metallurgical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel-based modeling

Job description

Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc. is seeking an Intermediate Tailings Engineer to join our growing Tailings and Waste Management Group. The successful candidate will have more than 10 years of relevant experience in tailings and mine waste dewatering and management, including associated water management systems. This position is ideal for an experienced professional who is passionate about solving complex engineering challenges, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the safe and efficient management of tailings and mine waste globally.

This is a full-time position based in Sudbury, Ontario, with opportunities for travel to mine sites and other Paterson & Cooke offices, as required. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be eager to grow and build a team in the Sudbury office, as such we are not entertaining remote work for this position.

Paterson & Cooke’s expertise in tailings pipelines and pumping systems is the foundation of our business. Over the past three decades, we have expanded upstream and downstream of this core competency to become industry leaders in tailings dewatering, handling, and placement technology. We pride ourselves on providing independent, trusted advice that bridges the gap between vendors and clients, and we remain committed to the development of safer tailings facilities worldwide. Our team continues to advance tailings management practices through innovation, efficiency, and the exploration of alternative waste management technologies.

Tasks:

Lead and execute engineering design and analysis for tailings and mine waste management systems, including hydraulic and mechanical transport systems, dewatering, and placement.
Prepare and review design drawings, reports, technical memoranda, and cost estimates.
Develop and interpret laboratory and pilot-scale test programs supporting material characterization and dewatering.
Support field investigations, commissioning, and operational troubleshooting at active mine sites.
Participate in engineering reviews and risk assessments, identifying opportunities to improve safety and performance.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our global offices to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
Prepare and deliver technical presentations for clients and internal stakeholders.
Contribute to proposals and scopes of work for new tailings and waste management projects.

Responsibilities:

Take ownership of assigned projects, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with client objectives.
Maintain a high standard of technical excellence, producing clear and defensible engineering deliverables.
Uphold Paterson & Cooke’s reputation as a trusted independent advisor by providing objective, practical, and value-driven solutions.
Supervise and mentor junior engineers, supporting their technical and professional development.
Communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and project partners, building long-term professional relationships.
Ensure that all work is conducted safely and in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of Paterson & Cooke’s methods, tools, and knowledge base.
Stay informed on technological advancements and evolving best practices in tailings management and mine waste re-purposing.
Participate in global initiatives aimed at advancing P&C’s Tailings and Waste Management Group capabilities.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
10+ years of relevant experience in tailings dewatering and management, mine waste engineering, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience in the design, analysis, and operation of tailings management systems.
Working knowledge of dewatering, thickening, filtration, and alternative tailings disposal technologies.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, Excel-based modeling, or hydraulic simulation tools).
Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario or another Provincial association.
Valid driver’s license and passport; ability to travel to domestic and international mine sites as required.

Personal Characteristics:

Technically curious, innovative, and eager to tackle challenging engineering problems.
Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
Professional, adaptable, and motivated by continuous learning and growth.
Passionate about contributing to safer, more sustainable tailings management practices worldwide.

A Career with Paterson & Cooke

Paterson & Cooke is an employee-owned, international specialist engineering firm known for high quality work and exceeding client expectations, often with innovative solutions. Our team enjoy the challenge of living up to this reputation daily, in a workplace that allows each employee to thrive and grow. In the Sudbury office, we balance a demanding, rewarding workload with consideration for work-life balance. We follow a unique work schedule that provides, on average, every other Friday off, with dates set in advance to align with long weekends for the benefit of our team. We enjoy the opportunity to connect outside the office through summer BBQ’s, sports, and spontaneous gatherings to celebrate milestones – or just the end of the week. We encourage employees to expand their knowledge through employer supported training courses and on-site experience. With offices covering five continents and an international clientele, P&C provides opportunities for our employees to travel the world. Our size enables our employees to make a difference in the company and fosters opportunities for career growth and advancement. Our aim is to create an environment in which everyone is technically challenged and eager to come to work.