Principal Engineer - Tailings & Mine Waste

WSP in Canada; Victoria; On-site; CAD 194,700 - 257,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for professional growth

Access to global expertise

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Canada is seeking a Principal Engineer to shape the future of mine waste engineering. This role involves leading complex, large-scale projects while mentoring emerging engineers and collaborating with global experts. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in tailings and mine waste engineering, along with a relevant degree and Professional Engineer registration. A competitive salary ranging from $194,700 to $257,900 is offered depending on experience and location.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Tailings and mine waste engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Team mentoring

Strategic mindset

Risk evaluations

Education

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

Job description

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.

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $194,700 – $257,900
MB & ON: $177,600 – $244,600NB, 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.

About Us

At WSP, we exist to shape communities to advance humanity. It’s why we bring people together who are wired to solve complex challenges - engineers, scientists, advisors, and technical experts who are driven by a common passion - to redefine what’s possible and shape what comes next. We are Visioneers.

As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we partner with clients across transportation, infrastructure, environment, buildings, energy, water, mining and metals. We pair deep local knowledge with global insights to pioneer solutions designed to leave a lasting, positive impact.

At WSP, you’ll join a community of brilliant minds that push boundaries every day - applying deep expertise and fuelling innovation to help create a more connected and resilient future. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. We empower our people to collaborate across disciplines, challenge the status quo, and shape a career with purpose. Join us.

Note: Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations. Full details here. Some safety‑sensitive positions involve fieldwork and may include work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits). WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted. WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details here.