Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Ausenco; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement

Hybrid work model

Parental leave benefits

Wellness program

Accessible leadership team

Job summary

Ausenco in Denver seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer (EOR) to lead engineer of record on tailings and mine infrastructure projects across North America. The role requires extensive geotechnical design, expertise in TSFs, and input across capital construction and closure.

Candidates will bring PE, 20+ years in mining geotech, familiarity with GISTM and tools GeoStudio/FLAC/PLAXIS, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• 20+ years geotechnical engineering experience in mining.
• Experience as Engineer of Record (EOR) for TSFs and infrastructure.
• Familiarity with international tailings guidelines (GISTM, CDA, ANCOLD).
• Proficient in slope stability, seepage, and settlement modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Engineer of Record (EoR) on tailings and mine infrastructure projects across North America.
• Lead the planning, design, and construction management of TSFs.
• Oversee technical assessments including slope stability, seepage, settlement modeling, and water balance studies.
• Provide clear technical direction and ensure compliance with design intent.
• Collaborate with clients, regulators, and internal teams to provide expert recommendations.
• Champion risk management, QA/QC, and engineering governance.
• Mentor junior geotechnical staff and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Travel to client sites within the USA and internationally to support project activities.

Skills

Geotechnical exp 20+

EOR experience

Leadership skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

PE designation (P.Eng./PE)

Geotechnical/Civil Eng degree

Tools

GeoStudio

FLAC

PLAXIS

Job description

Ausenco is a fast-growing company with big ideas. We redefine what’s possible in some of the world’s most complex projects and toughest environments. Delivering innovative, value-add consulting, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions is what we do. From 22 offices in 9 countries, with projects in over 80 locations worldwide, we create sustainable outcomes for our people, clients and communities.

Our Mine Waste Solutions (MWS) group is growing and we are looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer (EOR) – Denver US to join us. We are seeking highly motivated individual with excellent technical and interpersonal skills to work with our talented team in delivering outstanding service to our clients.

About The Role

• Serve as Engineer of Record (EoR) on tailings and mine infrastructure projects across North America.
• Lead the planning, design, and construction management of TSFs in accordance with international best practices and evolving regulatory standards.
• Oversee technical assessments including slope stability, seepage, settlement modeling, and water balance studies.
• Provide clear technical direction and ensure compliance with design intent throughout capital construction, operations, and closure phases.
• Collaborate with clients, regulators, and internal teams to provide expert recommendations and ensure safe, practical, and innovative geotechnical solutions.
• Champion risk management, quality assurance, and engineering governance protocols for geotechnical work.
• Support the development and mentoring of junior geotechnical staff and contribute to knowledge sharing across the company
• Collaborate effectively as an integral team member in a multidisciplinary environment to drive project success.
• Willingness to travel to client sites within the USA and internationally to support project activities.

About You

• Degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering or equivalent is considered an asset.
• Professional Engineering (P.Eng. or PE) designation required
• 20+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, with a strong focus in the mining sector.
• Proven experience as EOR in similar technically accountable roles for TSFs and related infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of international tailings guidelines (e.g., GISTM, CDA, ANCOLD, etc.).
• Proficient in slope stability, seepage, and settlement modeling tools (e.g., GeoStudio, FLAC, PLAXIS).
• Experience across North America and Latin America is highly preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.

Why Ausenco?

We Support Individual Growth And Aim To Allow You To Work In a Way That Plays To Your Strengths. Beyond a Competitive Remuneration Package We Offer

• Career advancement - Embark on a journey of continuous growth through technical training, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities
• Work Life Balance – Experience the best of both worlds with our hybrid work model, allowing you to balance office days with working from home; and progressive parental leave benefits to foster family needs and professional life
• Holistic approach to wellness – Take a proactive approach to your overall well-being. Access to confidential counselling, information services and a benefits program that supports your health & wellness
• Accessible leadership team – Work with highly reputable industry leaders who value your contribution.

Our people don’t settle for the status quo. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to help set a new standard in sustainability, we’ll help you find your place. This means working with you to develop a unique career path and skillset to match your ambition.

We’re proud of the work we do, and we do it within a culture that is open, honest, and cooperative. We have a history of attracting visionary people who embrace challenges and deliver creative solutions for every project, and your voice is an important part of the conversation.

As a global company, we embrace and encourage diversity in its fullest sense – gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, experience, nationality, colour, language, religion, location, disability, education, skills, working styles and time availability. Our work environments are based on mutual trust and respect for the rights and opportunities of every individual.

Salary

$168,000- $236,000

Expected Salary

Variation in salary is determined by factors such as qualifications, relevant years of experience, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.

Join us and work a better way.