Principal Engineer - Tailings & Mine Waste

WSP; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 194,700 - 257,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Top 100 Employer in Canada designation

Opportunities for growth and mentorship

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Canada is seeking a Principal Engineer to shape the future of mine waste engineering. In this role, you will lead large-scale projects, develop innovative design approaches, and mentor emerging engineers. Your extensive experience, combined with a strategic mindset, will greatly impact environmental management in mining practices across British Columbia and Alberta. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for growth in an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in tailings, mine waste, or geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration, recognized technical authority in mine waste engineering.
• Demonstrated success with high-risk, large-scale mining projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead major tailings and mine waste engineering programs.
• Develop innovative approaches to mine waste design.
• Provide strategic technical direction for multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Tailings management

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Environmental risk management

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Geological, Geotechnical, Mining, or related Engineering discipline

Job description

What if you could redefine what’s possible? With us, you can. You want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it.

We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers.

With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science‑based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions.

We are pathfinders and impact makers.

We are Visioneers.

We are WSP. The Opportunity Innovate and Lead.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of mine waste engineering. As a Principal Engineer, you’ll guide large‑scale, technically complex projects, champion innovation across tailings and mine waste initiatives, and help define the next chapter of WSP’s Mining practice across British Columbia and Alberta.

You’ll collaborate with global experts while influencing how communities manage environmental risk, long‑term closure, and responsible resource development.

Your Impact

• Lead major tailings and mine waste engineering programs that directly influence safety, sustainability, and regulatory confidence.
• Develop innovative approaches to mine waste design, deposition planning, and long‑term closure.
• Provide strategic technical direction for multidisciplinary project teams across Western Canada.
• Strengthen and expand client partnerships while elevating WSP’s market presence.
• Guide technical reviews, sign‑off, and governance for high‑profile tailings facilities.
• Mentor emerging engineers and foster a culture of curiosity, capability, and technical excellence.
• Contribute thought leadership to industry panels, research activities, and best‑practice development.
• Drive continuous improvement in risk mitigation, ESG‑aligned solutions, and operational efficiency.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• 15+ years of progressive experience in tailings, mine waste, or geotechnical engineering.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Geological, Geotechnical, Mining, or related Engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration, with recognized technical authority in mine waste engineering.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex, high‑risk, and large‑scale mining projects.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to lead client portfolios and shape long‑term technical direction.
• Proven experience in tailings design, water balance, risk evaluations, and closure planning.
• Ability to mentor teams and build technical depth across regional and national practice groups.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. The brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe call WSP home.

• Proudly Canadian – we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• A global community of brilliant minds – your next idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
• Limitless opportunities start here. Whether it’s across the country or around the globe, we help you tailor your role to match your ambition — because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $194,700 – $257,900

MB & ON: $177,600 – $244,600

NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $175,800 – $233,500

Disclosure: The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Make Your Mark with WSP If you're driven by purpose and impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step toward a meaningful and rewarding career with us.