Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Tailings & Mine Waste

Equilibrium; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Equilibrium is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer focused on Tailings & Mine Waste to lead complex projects and mentor junior staff. You will work with multidisciplinary teams, manage investigations, designs, and risk assessments, and engage with clients across mine sites.

The role offers flexible hybrid/remote arrangements within Canada. You will contribute to technical excellence, support field operations, and uphold safety and quality standards while growing the Mine Waste practice at

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of relevant geotechnical experience in mining, tailings, mine waste, or related consulting.
• Experience in geotechnical design/evaluation of tailings dams and mine waste structures.
• Strong health & safety focus and ability to manage risks on site and in the field.

Responsibilities

• Deliver geotechnical investigations, assessments, and designs for tailings and mine waste facilities.
• Perform/oversee geotechnical analyses, interpret field data, and develop models with practical recommendations.
• Coordinate investigations, inspections, and construction support with safety leadership.
• Prepare and review engineering reports, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Support project delivery, planning, scheduling, budgets, and client communications.
• Mentor junior engineers and technologists in the team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Mine waste

Tailings dams

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

P.Eng. or equivalent

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer | Tailings & Mine Waste | P.Eng

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Tailings & Mine Waste to join our growing Tailings & Mine Waste team. Our team delivers engineering and consulting services for tailings storage facilities, mine-waste facilities, waste rock facilities, and related mining infrastructure, supporting clients through investigation, design, construction, operation, monitoring, and closure. This is an opportunity to contribute to complex projects while working alongside experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams.

Why Join Equilibrium?

Global reach. Specialist expertise. Real influence.

Equilibrium brings together the global reach and expertise of an established consultancy with the autonomy and agility of a specialist firm.

Here, you’ll work closely with experienced leaders, have a genuine voice in the business and see the impact of your work firsthand. As we grow, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, deepen your expertise in geotechnical engineering and mine waste, and play a meaningful role in shaping what comes next.

We want our people to grow with the business, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting contribution - not simply be part of the team, but help build the future of Equilibrium.

The Role:

As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Tailings & Mine Waste, you’ll deliver complex tailings and mine waste projects, provide technical guidance, and work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise across investigations, design, and facility assessments, mentor developing engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of Equilibrium’s Mine Waste practice.

You will:

• Deliver Technical Projects: Manage geotechnical investigations, assessments, and designs for tailings, waste rock spoils and other mine waste facilities, confirming safe work practices, schedule, budget, and client requirements are met.
• Perform Technical Analysis: Perform, oversee, and review geotechnical analyses, interpret field and monitoring data, develop geotechnical models, and provide practical, risk-informed engineering recommendations.
• Support Field Activities: Plan and coordinate geotechnical investigations, inspections, and construction support activities, providing safety oversight, technical direction and responding to site conditions and emerging project requirements.
• Provide Technical Review: Prepare and review engineering reports, calculations, specifications, and technical documentation, while supporting technical reviews, dam safety assessments, risk evaluations, and quality assurance and quality control.
• Support Clients & Project Delivery: Serve as a point of contact for assigned scopes, communicate project status, technical findings and recommendations, and contribute to project planning, proposals, schedules, budgets, and client meetings.
• Develop People: Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and review to junior engineers, engineers-in-training, technologists, and field staff, supporting their professional development.
• Drive Technical Excellence: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, industry best practices, and the development of tools, workflows, and quality practices within the Mine Waste practice.

What We’re Looking For:

• 7 - 10 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, mining, engineering consulting, mine waste, tailings, or project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in geotechnical design and evaluation of tailings dams, waste rock spoils and/or co-management structures.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety, with experience identifying and managing risks in mine site, field, and project environments. Dam Safety experience considered an asset.
• Strong technical judgement, leadership and project coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully, build trust, provide constructive technical feedback, and navigate challenging situations with empathy.
• Experience contributing to business development, cross-selling, and building long-term client relationships.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related discipline).
• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng.) or equivalent professional registration required where applicable.

About Equilibrium:

Complex challenges. Practical solutions. Technical excellence.

Equilibrium is a specialist technical consultancy serving the global mining and natural resources sectors. We bring together expertise in geotechnical engineering, structural geology, and hydrogeology, to solve complex technical challenges and deliver practical solutions for our clients.

Founded by internationally respected technical leaders, we combine deep technical expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach and close client relationships. Our multidisciplinary teams work across regions and disciplines to deliver work that is technically sound, practical and fit for purpose.

Technical excellence is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to continuously improving our expertise, how we work and the value we deliver to our clients.

Our People & Culture:

Different perspectives make us stronger.

We believe bringing together different experiences and ways of thinking makes our teams stronger and our work better. More than half of our team are women, reflecting the inclusive and collaborative culture we are building at Equilibrium.

We look for people who are technically excellent, curious, empathetic and generous with their knowledge. Initiative, collaboration and fresh thinking shape how we work, while respect and transparency guide how we work with one another.

We want people to feel heard, supported and empowered to contribute — whether that's sharing an idea, challenging an assumption or helping a colleague succeed.

Our values — excellence, transparency, diversity and mindfulness of our impact — guide how we work with each other, serve our clients and contribute to our communities and the planet.

Compensation:

We expect that the salary package to be in the below range depending on experience, qualifications, and skills. The final compensation package will be determined based on the successful candidate’s background and fit for the role.

• $120,000 to $145,000 CAD per year + Benefits + Bonus

Location:

Equilibrium operates globally, with offices in South Brisbane, Australia; Vancouver, Canada; and Portland and Phoenix, USA.

We are primarily accepting applications from candidates from within Canada. Flexible hybrid and remote-based arrangements will be considered for the right individual, depending on location and project requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is based.
• Periodic domestic and/or international travel may be required for project assignments, meetings, training, client engagements, field investigations, and other business purposes, including travel to remote project and mine sites.
• As the Employer operates globally, flexibility in work schedule may be required to support collaboration across different time zones.
• Depending on project or client requirements, the role may require security, background, criminal record, drug and alcohol, or other screening.

Geotechnical Engineering | Mine Waste | Tailings Dams | Dam Safety | Engineer of Record | Waste Rock | Geotechnical Investigations | Geotechnical Design | Risk Assessment | Project Delivery | Technical Leadership