Principal Rock Mechanic Engineer

WSP in Canada; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 147,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP seeks a Senior Rock Mechanics Engineer to lead geomechanical design on complex mining projects across Canada, spanning early studies to construction support.

You will mentor teams, perform numerical modelling with RS2/RS3/PLAXIS/FLAC3D, and translate ground conditions into safe, practical design solutions for underground and open-pit operations.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in geological, mining, civil, or geotechnical engineering; graduate education in rock mechanics or geomechanics is an asset.
• 10–15 years of relevant rock mechanics experience in underground/open pit mining environments.
• Professional Engineer registration in Canada, or eligibility to obtain registration.
• Advanced expertise in underground excavation design, slope stability, ground support systems and geotechnical investigations.
• Proficiency with numerical modelling tools RS2, RS3, FLAC3D, PLAXIS or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of mining methods, geomechanical risk, and hydro-mechanical interactions.
• Ability to lead complex technical assignments and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Clear technical writing and analytical capabilities; valid driver's licence; willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead rock mechanics analysis and design for underground and open pit mining projects, managing geomechanical risk across the project lifecycle.
• Design and evaluate the stability of stopes, shafts, drifts, slopes, and related mine infrastructure.
• Deliver advanced geomechanical assessments using numerical modelling to support design decisions.
• Guide geotechnical investigations, field data interpretation, and parameter development.
• Manage technical scopes, schedules, budgets, and quality reviews; act as client adviser.
• Mentor professionals and contribute to technical standards and innovation.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical engineering

Numerical modelling

Project leadership

Technical communication

Driver's licence

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in geological/mining/civil/geotechnical engineering

Graduate education in rock mechanics/geomechanics (asset)

Professional Engineer (Canada)

Tools

RS2

RS3

FLAC3D

PLAXIS

Job description

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

Turn Ground Complexity into Confidence

Bring technical insight and practical judgement to mining projects where stability, safety, and performance are inseparable. Your leadership will help teams understand challenging rock environments and make informed decisions throughout the mine lifecycle.

As a Senior Rock Mechanics Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor on complex open pit and underground mining projects across Canada. Working with multidisciplinary teams from early-stage studies through detailed design and construction support, you will lead geomechanical analysis and design, develop safe and efficient solutions, influence project outcomes, build trusted client relationships, and mentor developing professionals.

Your Impact

• Lead rock mechanics analysis and design for underground and open pit mining projects, helping clients manage geomechanical risk across the full project lifecycle.
• Design and evaluate the stability of stopes , shafts, drifts, slopes, and related mine infrastructure, translating ground conditions into practical engineering solutions.
• Deliver advanced geomechanical assessments using numerical modelling and limit equilibrium methods to support confident design and operational decisions.
• Guide geotechnical investigation programs, structural geology assessments, field data interpretation, and the development of defensible design parameters.
• Manage technical scopes, strategies, schedules, budgets, and quality reviews while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strengthen WSP's mining practice by mentoring professionals, advancing technical standards, and encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• A bachelor's degree in geological, mining, civil, or geotechnical engineering, or a closely related discipline; graduate education in rock mechanics or geomechanics is an asset.
• 10–15 years of relevant experience applying rock mechanics principles in underground and open pit mining environments.
• Professional Engineer registration in Canada, or eligibility to obtain registration.
• Advanced expertise in underground excavation design, slope stability, ground support systems, geotechnical site investigations, and structural geology interpretation.
• Proficiency with numerical modelling tools such as RS2, RS3, FLAC3D, PLAXIS, or equivalent software, together with experience applying limit equilibrium methods.
• Strong understanding of mining methods, ground control practices, geomechanical risk, and hydro-mechanical interactions across study, design, and implementation phases.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical assignments, communicate defensible recommendations to clients and stakeholders, and mentor multidisciplinary professionals.
• Clear technical writing and analytical capabilities, along with a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to project and mine sites as required.

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'll 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: $162,200 - $212,200
• MB & ON: $148,000 - $198,000
• NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $146,500 - $194,600

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.

Engineer Stability Where It Matters

Every mine depends on a clear understanding of the ground that supports it. Bring your geomechanical expertise to decisions that protect people, strengthen performance, and help shape more resilient mining operations.

Make every layer of insight count.

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.

Please 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 .