Principal, Mine Waste

Equilibrium; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Equilibrium is seeking a Senior Geotechnical professional to lead Mine Waste projects, directing technical and managerial aspects across tailings facilities and waste rock structures. You will shape project delivery with senior teams, mentor staff, and grow client relationships while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

The role offers global collaboration opportunities, strong leadership expectations, and a clear path to influence Equilibrium’s Mine Waste strategy and future growth.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in mining, engineering consulting or project delivery.
• Deep technical expertise in mine waste structures and related regulations.
• Experience with dam safety reviews and risk-based governance.
• Strong leadership, strategic client relationships and market growth.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct Complex Projects or Programs: oversee investigations, design and delivery of tailings and mine waste projects.
• Direct Technical Excellence: ensure technical quality and industry best practices.
• Champion Facility Safety: lead safety reviews and risk-informed recommendations.
• Champion Innovation: advance new approaches to strengthen technical capabilities.
• Solve Complex Challenges: collaborate with global experts for practical solutions.
• Develop People: mentor junior staff and support career growth.
• Build Client Relationships: manage stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Grow the Business: drive business development and market expansion.
• Shape the Practice: define strategic direction and growth of Mine Waste capability.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Geological

Master’s or PhD in geotechnical/related

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Geotechnical professional to join our growing Mine Waste team. Our Mine Waste practice is a strategic area of growth, complementing our established rock mechanics and hydrogeology disciplines. You’ll work alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams on significant projects while contributing to the continued growth and development of our mine waste capabilities.

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 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:

AsPrincipal, Mine Waste, you’ll lead the delivery of tailings and mine waste projects, provide technical direction and work closely with experienced multidisciplinary teams. You’ll have the opportunity to further develop your technical and leadership capability, build trusted client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of Equilibrium’s Mine Waste practice.

You Will:

• Direct Complex Projects or Programs: Provide strategic oversight of geotechnical investigations, design, and delivery of tailings, waste rock spoils, and other mine waste projects, confirming safe work practices, managing overall project risk, confirming adherence to project governance, and maintaining client relationships.
• Direct Technical Excellence:Oversee technical quality of all aspects of projects, applying sound engineering judgement, providing company-wide technical direction, and adherence to industry best practices.
• Champion Facility Safety: Direct facility safety inspections, dam safety reviews, and other technical assessments, providing risk-informed recommendations and advising on client’s safety management programs.
• Champion Innovation: Advance innovative approaches that strengthen Equilibrium’s technical capabilities and industry leadership.
• Solve Complex Challenges: Collaborate with global multidisciplinary experts to develop practical, fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Develop People:Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and constructive technical review to junior and intermediate team members, fostering professional development, building technical capability and supporting career growth.
• Build Client Relationships:Manage client and stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, regulators, rightsholders, and global technical specialists.
• Grow the Business:Drive business development and market expansion through your professional network, strategic client relationships and Equilibrium’s established reputation.
• Shape the Practice: Help define the strategic direction and growth of Equilibrium’s Mine Waste capability.

What We’re Looking For:

• 20+ years of relevant experience in mining, engineering consulting or project delivery. For candidates in Canada, experience in northern climates is a plus.
• Deep technical expertise in mine waste structures (tailings dams, waste rock spoils, co-management structures, heap leach pads), experience as Engineer of Record, and current knowledge of applicable regulations, including GISTM and relevant industry standards.
• Experience in dam safety reviews or independent review boards is a plus.
• Strong technical judgement and commercial awareness, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex environments.
• A track record of strategic client relationships, business development and market growth.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully, build trust, provide constructive technical feedback, and navigate challenging situations with empathy.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience, including team development, mentoring, succession planning and developing future technical leaders.
• Bilingual communication ability is a plus.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD(Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related discipline).
• Relevant professional registration, such as P.Eng., PE or RPEQ.

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.

• Canada $200,000 - $300,000 CAD per year + Benefits + Bonus
• USA $180,000 - $280,000 USD per year + Benefits + Bonus
• Australia $200,000 – $300,000 AUD per year + Superannuation + Bonus

Location:

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

Flexible 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.