Principal Tailings Engineer

WSP; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Exposure to international projects

Professional development support

Job summary

WSP Mine Advisory is seeking a Principal Tailings Engineer to provide technical leadership across tailings and mine waste projects worldwide. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to clients, lead complex studies, and drive governance initiatives while supporting growth of the Mine Advisory business both nationally and internationally.

You’ll mentor junior engineers, lead multidisciplinary teams, and engage with clients to deliver safe, compliant tailings solutions across concept to closure,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining or Environmental Engineering is required.
• 15+ years' experience in tailings or related consulting environments.
• Chartered Engineer status or eligibility to obtain chartership.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on TSF and mine-waste projects across asset lifecycle.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in planning, design, review and governance of tailings facilities.
• Advise clients on tailings risk management, dam safety and monitoring programs.
• Lead or contribute to ITRs, DSRs and EoR support services.
• Guide implementation of GISTM, ANCOLD, CDA and other regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop technical excellence within the team.
• Represent WSP at forums and client engagements as a tailings subject matter expert.

Skills

Tailings engineering

GISTM knowledge

Dam safety governance

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Client advisory

Stability assessment

Seepage management

Regulatory frameworks

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil / Geotechnical / Mining / Environmental Engineering

Postgraduate qualifications preferred

Tools

None

Job description

This role will see you enhance your capabilities and the reputation of WSP’s Mine Advisoryteam. You will collaborate with talented professionals working on iconic projects to drive future ready outcomes that will benefit clients and communities.

What you’ll do:

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Tailings Engineer to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of tailings and mine waste projects. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to clients, lead complex technical studies and reviews, contribute to tailings governance initiatives, and play a key role in developing the next generation of tailings professionals while supporting the growth of WSP's Mine Advisory business both nationally and internationally.

• Provide technical leadership on tailings storage facility (TSF) and mine waste projects across the full asset lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through operations, closure, and post-closure.


• Lead multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design, review, and governance of tailings management facilities in accordance with industry leading practice.


• Act as a technical advisor to clients on tailings risk management, dam safety, consequence classification, monitoring programs, surveillance, and operational readiness.


• Lead or contribute to Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs), Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs), and Engineer of Record (EoR) support services.


• Provide strategic guidance on implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), ANCOLD, CDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.


• Oversight and peer review of geotechnical investigations, design reports, stability assessments, water management studies, and operational monitoring programs.


• Support clients in developing tailings governance frameworks, risk management systems, Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs), and operational management plans.


• Build and maintain trusted client relationships while identifying opportunities for future work and contributing to business development activities.


• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing across the team.


• Represent WSP at industry forums, technical conferences, and client engagements as a recognised tailings subject matter expert.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining or Environmental Engineering, with postgraduate qualifications viewed favourably.


• 15+ years' experience in tailings, mine waste, geotechnical engineering, or related consulting environments.


• Demonstrated experience leading the design, operation, governance, and closure planning of Tailings Storage Facilities.


• Strong working knowledge of GISTM, ANCOLD Guidelines, CDA Dam Safety Guidelines, and relevant Australian and international regulatory frameworks.


• Recognised technical expertise in tailings engineering, including earthworks, embankment design, seepage management, stability assessment, water management, and dam safety.


• Proven ability to act as a technical lead, reviewer, or Engineer of Record support on complex tailings projects.


• Chartered Engineer status (CPEng/RPEQ/RPEV or equivalent) or eligibility to obtain chartership.


• Strong client relationship management and business development experience, including proposal preparation and project pursuit activities.


• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience mentoring engineers and leading multidisciplinary teams.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to executive stakeholders, regulators, boards, and external review panels.


• Willingness and ability to undertake domestic and international travel as required.

Why WSP?

• Work alongside industry-leading tailings and geotechnical professionals.


• Exposure to a diverse range of projects across Australia and internationally.


• A supportive team culture that values development, innovation, and technical excellence.


• Opportunities for structured career growth and professional accreditation.


• Flexible working options.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 73,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

To find out more about our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, and the programs we’ve designed to help you thrive, go to our Employee Benefits page.