Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Rio Tinto; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Tinto is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to interpret geotechnical monitoring data, assess slope stability, and develop hazard mitigation plans for Kennecott Utah Copper LLC in Bingham Canyon, UT. The role includes TARPs, 3D stability modeling, and integration of OBK data into mine planning.

You will oversee field inspections, manage data QA/QC, and coordinate with mining and engineering teams. Travel up to 15% is required; full-time on-site schedule with office reporting in South

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s with required years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Must have 7 years in slope monitoring, data interpretation, rock mass characterization, and geotechnical lab testing.
• Experience in conducting geotechnical design reviews and slope runout analyses.
• Travel up to 15% regionally/internationally.

Responsibilities

• Interpret geotechnical monitoring data to assess slope deformation and stability.
• Contribute to TARPs and hazard mitigation.
• Perform stability assessments for open pits and natural slopes.
• Provide geotechnical input for drill and blast planning and mine planning evaluations.
• Create 3D models supporting geotechnical analyses and risk assessments.
• Present analyses and risk assessments to internal teams and external reviewers.

Skills

Slope monitoring systems usage

Structural geology interpretation

Rock mass characterization

GSI evaluation

Geotechnical data collection

Slope performance and safety design

Project management

Dewatering/depressurization principles

3D modelling (MineSight/Leapfrog)

OBK and strategic mine planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical/Geological/Mining/Civil Engineering

Master’s degree in Geotechnical/Geological/Mining/Civil Engineering

Tools

MineSight

Leapfrog

Rocscience

FLAC3D

DAN3D

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Kennecott Utah Copper LLC, Bingham Canyon, UT):

Interpret geotechnical monitoring data, including radars, prisms, GPS, and downhole instruments, to assess slope deformation and stability. Conduct field inspections to identify geotechnical hazards, evaluate slope conditions, and confirm hazard management controls. Perform stability assessments for open pit and natural slopes through routine and ad-hoc inspections. Contribute to developing and implement Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) based on failure modes, deformation behavior, and runout analyses. Conduct geotechnical design reviews and provide engineering recommendations for slope performance and hazard mitigation. Perform 3D slope stability and failure calibration modeling using Rocscience and FLAC3D. Conduct slope runout analysis using DAN3D and Fahrböschung methods to inform control design. Integrate orebody knowledge (OBK), geological data, and ATV/OTV logging into geotechnical models and interpretations. Conduct rock mass characterization, including lithology, structural orientation, GSI ratings, and hydrogeological assessments. Perform geotechnical data collection and QA/QC, including mapping, core logging, and laboratory testing data review. Contribute to managing geotechnical datasets, including SQL-based databases for rock mass and laboratory data. Apply dewatering and depressurization principles to evaluate geotechnical performance and slope design assumptions. Provide geotechnical input for drill and blast planning, slope design conformance, and mine plan evaluations. Analyze structural geology models to characterize geotechnical failure mechanisms. Utilize 3D modeling tools such as MineSight and Leapfrog to support geotechnical analyses and mine planning. Conduct geotechnical risk assessments for short-range and long-range mine plans and communicate associated risks. Manage geotechnical projects, including scope definition, scheduling, budget tracking, and consultant oversight. Present geotechnical analyses, monitoring interpretations, and risk assessments to internal teams and external reviewers.

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer position reports to the Bingham Canyon Mine on a daily basis. One day per week requires reporting to the office location at 4700 W. Daybreak Parkway, South Jordan, UT, and bi-weekly reporting to the coreshed facility at 9150 W State Hwy Bingham Canyon, UT 84006.

Full time employment, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or a related field, and 10 years of progressively responsible related work experience in geotechnical engineering.

Alternatively, the employer will accept a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or a related field, and 7 years of progressively responsible related work experience in geotechnical engineering.

Must have 7 years of experience in each of the following:

• Using slope monitoring systems (radars, prisms, GPS, and downhole instrumentation);
• Interpreting structural geology, rock mass characterization, and slope monitoring data;
• Performing rock mass characterization and GSI evaluation;
• Rock and soil mechanics laboratory testing for geotechnical data;
• Geotechnical data collection (geotechnical mapping and core logging);
• Making geotechnical recommendations for slope performance and safety;
• Managing geotechnical projects (scope definition, planning, implementation, and budgets);
• Applying dewatering or depressurization principles to open pit designs;
• Using 3D modeling tools: MineSight or Leapfrog; and
• Using OBK and strategic mine planning for geotechnical hazard interpretation.

Must have 6 years of experience working in an open pit mine environment.

Must have 5 years of experience in each of the following:

• Conducting geotechnical design reviews; and
• Conducting slope runout analysis using DAN3D and Fahrböschung.

Must have 2 years of experience in each of the following:

• 3D stability modeling and failure mechanism analysis using Rocscience and FLAC3D;
• Applying orebody knowledge to geotechnical stability modeling; and
• Risk assessment and hazard management for long-term mine planning.

International travel required up to 5%; Domestic travel required up to 10%; Regional travel required up to 15%.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.