Principal Rock Engineer - Underground Stability and Design

Placements24; United States; Sur place; USD 108 000 - 180 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Executive-level remuneration package

Comprehensive health benefits

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Expatriate benefits potential

International travel opportunities

Autonomy and influence on strategy

Access to cutting-edge technology

Sabbatical leave options

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Rock Engineer to lead rock mechanics, stability initiatives, and ground support for underground mines. You will guide numerical modeling, risk assessments, and technical strategy across projects in Randburg, Gauteng.

You will mentor staff, drive R&D in rock mechanics, and interact with senior management to shape safety, design, and performance across operations.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Mining/Geotechnical Engineering with rock mechanics focus.
• Minimum 15 years in rock engineering, with senior/principal leadership.
• Expert in advanced numerical modeling and ground support design.
• Strong seismic hazard assessment and mine design knowledge.

Responsabilités

• Lead development and implementation of advanced rock engineering strategies for underground mines.
• Perform complex numerical modeling and stability analyses of mine structures.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for varying conditions.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to project teams and operations.
• Oversee investigations, data QA, and geotechnical databases.
• Mentor rock engineers and drive R&D in rock mechanics.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and best practices.

Connaissances

Geomechanics

Leadership

Numerical modeling

Seismic design

Geostatistics

Formation

PhD or Master’s in Mining/Geotechnical Engineering

Outils

FLAC3D

UDEC

ABAQUS

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in underground resource extraction, is seeking a highly experienced and authoritative Principal Rock Engineer to spearhead their rock mechanics and stability initiatives in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior role demands exceptional expertise in geomechanics, mine design, and risk management within complex geological environments. You will be responsible for leading advanced numerical modeling, developing robust ground support strategies, and providing high-level geotechnical advice to project teams and senior management. The Principal Rock Engineer will mentor junior staff, drive research and development in rock engineering, and ensure best practices are implemented across all operations. This is a career-defining opportunity for a recognized expert in the field to influence critical aspects of mine safety, design, and operational performance. Our client is committed to cutting-edge technology and innovation, making this position central to their ongoing success and the sustainable development of their extensive mining portfolio in the Randburg region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced rock engineering strategies for underground mines.


• Conduct complex numerical modeling and stability analyses of mine structures, considering seismic activity and in-situ stresses.


• Design and optimize ground support systems for various mining methods and geological conditions.


• Provide expert geotechnical advice and recommendations to project teams, mine planning, and operations.


• Oversee geotechnical investigations, including data acquisition, interpretation, and quality assurance.


• Develop and maintain geotechnical databases and risk assessment frameworks.


• Mentor and guide a team of rock engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence.


• Lead R&D initiatives in rock mechanics and contribute to industry knowledge advancement.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards, regulations, and best practices.


• Investigate significant geotechnical events and provide expert reports.

Requirements

• A PhD or Master's degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong focus on Rock Mechanics.


• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in rock engineering, with a significant portion in a senior leadership or principal role within underground mining.


• Demonstrated expertise in advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, ABAQUS).


• Proven track record in designing and implementing effective ground support systems for challenging conditions.


• In-depth understanding of seismic hazard assessment and mine design for seismically active areas.


• Strong knowledge of geostatistics, rock mass characterization, and failure mechanisms.


• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.


• Ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including senior management.


• Published research or significant contributions to the rock mechanics field are highly desirable.


• Experience working in diverse geological settings is advantageous, with a focus on operations around Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package with substantial performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive executive health benefits and robust retirement plan.


• Relocation assistance, housing allowance, and potential for expatriate benefits.


• Opportunities for international travel and involvement in global projects.


• Significant professional autonomy and influence on company strategy.


• Access to cutting-edge technology and research facilities.


• A pivotal role shaping the future of safe and efficient underground mining.


• Executive company car and travel provisions.


• Supportive leadership committed to innovation and technical excellence.


• Annual sabbatical leave options for senior personnel.