On-Call Lead Process Engineer

WSP USA; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an On-Call Lead Process Engineer for our Elko, NV office, with consideration for Reno, NV. You will provide technical leadership for underground mining paste backfill systems, mine planning, and infrastructure development, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, cost-effective projects.

The role requires 10+ years in mining consulting or operations, strong communication, safety focus, and ability to mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mining or metallurgical engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant consulting or operating experience in a mining setting.
• Demonstrated background in design or operation of backfill plants (hydraulic fill, paste fill, cemented rockfill), mine infrastructure, material handling and comminution processes.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills for engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to guide junior team members and coordinate with QA/QC requirements.
• Proficiency with UG Design Tools, Microsoft Office, and general computer usage.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and operation of underground paste backfill systems.
• Develop backfill strategies to support mine sequencing and ground control requirements.
• Coordinate paste plant design, distribution systems, reticulation networks, and underground placement plans.
• Evaluate backfill recipes, binder optimization, rheology, and material performance.
• Support geotechnical teams in stope design and extraction sequencing.
• Monitor paste fill performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Review and approve paste backfill engineering deliverables and technical reports.
• Participate in commissioning and performance testing of paste plants and distribution systems.
• Integrate paste fill constraints into production schedules.
• Support reserve and resource conversion activities.
• Conduct scenario analysis and trade-off studies.
• Prepare inputs for PEA, PFS, FS, and detailed design work.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Mining, Geotechnical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Construction and Operations.
• Manage interfaces between owner, EPCM contractor, consultants, and vendors.
• Monitor progress against scope, schedule, cost, and quality; facilitate meetings and workshops.
• Support risk assessments and mitigation planning.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication

Safety culture

Multi-tasking

Team coordination

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mining or metallurgical engineering

Tools

UG Design Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an On-Call Lead Process Engineer for our Elko, NV office. The following locations will also be considered: Reno, NV. Be involved in projects with our Mining Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. #GlobalMining

The Lead Process Engineer provides technical leadership and project coordination for underground mining projects with a primary focus on paste backfill systems, mine planning, and mine infrastructure development. This role is responsible for integrating engineering disciplines, coordinating project activities, developing mine plans, optimizing paste backfill operations, and ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective project delivery.

The position serves as a key technical resource supporting feasibility studies, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational improvement initiatives.

Your Impact

• Lead design, optimization, and operation of underground paste backfill systems.
• Develop backfill strategies to support mine sequencing and ground control requirements.
• Coordinate paste plant design, distribution systems, reticulation networks, and underground placement plans.
• Evaluate backfill recipes, binder optimization, rheology, and material performance.
• Support geotechnical teams in stope design and extraction sequencing.
• Monitor paste fill performance and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Review and approve paste backfill engineering deliverables and technical reports.
• Participate in commissioning and performance testing of paste plants and distribution systems.
• Integrate paste fill constraints into production schedules.
• Support reserve and resource conversion activities.
• Conduct scenario analysis and trade‑off studies.
• Prepare/Perform technical inputs for PEA, PFS, FS, and detailed engineering design work.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams including Mining, Geotechnical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Construction and Operations.
• Manage technical interfaces between owner, EPCM contractor, consultants, and vendors.
• Monitor project progress against scope, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
• Facilitate project meetings and technical workshops.
• Support risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Track action items and ensure timely resolution of project issues.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all projects and operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with MSHA regulations, WSP standards, Environmental requirements and Ground control management plans.
• Participate in hazard identification and risk management activities.
• Conduct field inspections and safety audits.
• Write and review proposals technical memorandum and reports
• Perform Project Management or Engineering Management duties as required
• Perform audits and troubleshooting of existing mine infrastructure
• May be required to provide on‑site support supervision in construction setting
• Ability to drive plant commissioning activities
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mining or metallurgical engineering
• 10+ years of relevant consulting or operating experience in a mining setting
• Demonstrated background in elements of design or operation of backfill plants (hydraulic fill, paste fill, cemented rockfill) plant, surface tailings disposal systems, underground or surface mine infrastructure, material handling and comminution processes
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline‑specific design software (i.e. UG Design Tools, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project and general computer usage)
• Demonstrates a 'Safety First" focus attitude
• Strong organizational skills
• Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project‑specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Strong people skills and an ability to work in a team environment
• Travel to project sites as required

#LI-MC2

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.