Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Ausenco Careers; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 168,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement

Hybrid work model

Wellness program

Accessible leadership

Job summary

Ausenco in Denver seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer (EOR) with 20+ years in mining geotechnical engineering. You will serve as Engineer of Record on tailings and mine infrastructure projects across North America, lead design and construction management, and oversee assessments like slope stability and seepage.

Proven EOR leadership, familiarity with international tailings guidelines, and strong communication are essential. Travel to client sites in the USA and internationally is expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering.
• P.Eng/PE designation required.
• 20+ years geotechnical experience with focus on mining.
• Proven EOR experience for TSFs and related infrastructure.
• Knowledge of international tailings guidelines (GISTM, CDA, ANCOLD).
• Experience with slope stability, seepage, settlement modeling tools: GeoStudio, FLAC, PLAXIS.
• Experience across North America and Latin America preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Spanish knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Engineer of Record (EoR) on tailings and mine infrastructure projects across North America.
• Lead planning, design, and construction management of TSFs per best practices and regulatory standards.
• Oversee assessments including slope stability, seepage, and settlement modeling.
• Provide clear technical direction and ensure design intent across capital, operations, and closure.
• Collaborate with clients, regulators, and teams to deliver safe, practical geotechnical solutions.
• Champion risk management, QA, and governance for geotechnical work.
• Support development and mentoring of junior staff.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

EOR

Mining sector experience

Leadership

Spanish knowledge (plus)

Education

Geotechnical or Civil Engineering degree

P.Eng/PE designation

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.