Senior Geotechnical Engineer — Global Tailings & Closure Lead

Alcoa; Duncan (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcoa Transformation group is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical engineering for tailings impoundments, closure planning, and IMS implementation across global sites. You will provide strategic technical input for policies, conduct risk assessments, performance of stability analyses, and oversee investigations, monitoring, and closure activities.

Travel up to 15% is expected; a minimum 5 years of geotechnical experience and degrees in geotechnical, geology, or civil

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred in Geotechnical Engineering or Geological Engineering.
• PE or PG license preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience in industrial/mining environments.
• Solid knowledge of tailings management standards (ICMM, ANCOLD, MAC/CDA, and GISTM).
• Experience with tailings dam closure planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Experience with slope stability analyses and consolidation modelling.
• Experience with geotechnical risk assessments per industry practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical contributions to global policies, standards, and guides for closure solutions.
• Assess site closure plan gaps and cost estimates; support gap closure plans.
• Recommend optimized geotechnical designs, construction, and monitoring for closure strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments and readiness reviews for closure execution.
• Review geotechnical studies, data, and reports; guide site investigations and closure works.
• Interpret monitoring data and modify O&M programs as needed.
• Support site visits for closure plans and active construction projects.
• Oversee GISTM & IMS program maintenance and audits; update standards and procedures.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Communication skills

Organization & time management

Travel willingness

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Geology / Civil Engineering

Master’s degree preferred in Geotechnical / Geological Engineering

PE or PG license preferred

Job description

Alcoa Transformation group is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical engineering for tailings impoundments, closure planning, and IMS implementation across global sites. You will provide strategic technical input for policies, conduct risk assessments, performance of stability analyses, and oversee investigations, monitoring, and closure activities.

Travel up to 15% is expected; a minimum 5 years of geotechnical experience and degrees in geotechnical, geology, or civil