Senior Backfill Engineer (Cornwall, UK)

Paterson & Cooke; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus compensation

Health and life insurance

Enhanced annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Company pension scheme

Day off on your birthday

Job summary

Paterson & Cooke UK is seeking a Senior Backfill Engineer to support the design and delivery of mine backfill projects worldwide. This role requires strong technical capability in backfill systems and involves leading engineering design, developing process solutions, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and over 10 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, health benefits, and more.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in mine backfill engineering, typically including paste backfill, hydraulic fill, thickened tailings backfill or related systems.
• Strong understanding of backfill system design, including preparation, storage, pumping and underground distribution considerations.
• Experience delivering engineering work across feasibility studies and detailed design phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design and technical delivery of mine backfill systems.
• Develop backfill process design criteria, mass balances, flowsheets and plant design philosophies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal technical capability.

Skills

Backfill system design

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Process Engineering, or a related discipline

Job description

Paterson & Cooke UK is seeking a Senior Backfill Engineer to join our team and support the design and delivery of mine backfill projects for mining clients worldwide.

This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer with strong technical capability in backfill systems and associated process plant design, who is looking to take a leading role in studies, design development, technical delivery and client engagement. The role offers involvement across the full project lifecycle, from concept and feasibility studies through to detailed design, commissioning support and operational optimisation.

You will work as part of the European engineering team, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams across our regional offices delivering practical and technically robust solutions for our mining clients.

As a Senior Backfill Engineer, you will provide technical leadership in the design and delivery of mine backfill systems and associated infrastructure. You will be responsible for developing process and engineering solutions, leading technical workstreams, guiding junior engineers and contributing to high-quality project execution.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Lead the engineering design and technical delivery of mine backfill systems across concept, feasibility, basic and detailed design phases
• Develop backfill process design criteria, mass balances, flowsheets and plant design philosophies
• Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, specifications, equipment datasheets and design deliverables
• Support the design of backfill plants and associated systems, including material handling, mixing, pumping, distribution and reticulation infrastructure
• Contribute to laboratory test work interpretation and the translation of test results into practical design parameters
• Coordinate with mechanical, piping, civil, structural, electrical and control disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery
• Lead or contribute to design reviews, HAZOPs, risk assessments and technical workshops
• Provide technical input to equipment selection, vendor engagement, bid evaluations and supplier document review
• Support construction, commissioning and operational troubleshooting activities where required
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal technical capabilityLead the preparation of proposals, reports, and technical presentations for clients and stakeholders
• Represent Paterson & Cooke in professional forums, conferences, or technical collaborations, as appropriate

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Process Engineering, or a related discipline
• 10+ years of relevant experience in mine backfill engineering, typically including paste backfill, hydraulic fill, thickened tailings backfill or related systems.
• Strong understanding of backfill system design, including preparation, storage, pumping and underground distribution considerations
• Experience delivering engineering work across feasibility studies and detailed design phases
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Practical, analytical and delivery-focused approach to engineering problems
• Experience leading technical workstreams or small engineering teams
• Willingness to travel occasionally for site visits and project support

In return Paterson & Cooke UK offers a competitive annual salary for the position. In addition to the base salary the position is eligible for annual bonus compensation based on company and individual performance. This role is also eligible to participate in the company’s benefits program including health and life insurance, employee ownership scheme, enhanced annual leave, occupational sick pay, a day off on your birthday and company pension scheme.