Staff Engineer---STAFF METALLURGIST Tucson

Certerra; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra Subsurface Imaging Inc, a global geophysical consulting firm, seeks a Staff Metallurgist to apply hydrometallurgy expertise to heap leach pad characterization and to design solution injection programs for mining operations. The role bridges metallurgy with non-invasive subsurface imaging, translating observations into survey objectives for electrical resistivity, IP, and EM methods.

Up to 50% field work is expected.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mining, Metallurgical, or Chemical Engineering with hydrometallurgy coursework.
• 2+ years of experience on copper or gold heap/dump/in-situ leach projects and related tests.
• Spanish-language fluency preferred; proficiency in resistivity, IP, and EM training provided.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Interprets solution chemistry and records to assess leach pad performance.
• Develops models of leach maturity and flow to guide geophysical survey design.
• Supports design and implementation of low-pressure solution injection wells.
• Reviews column leach tests, bottle roll tests, and metallurgical balance data.
• Co-authors technical reports and proposals; integrates metallurgical context.
• Interacts with mine site metallurgy, process, and operations personnel.

Skills

Solution chemistry interpretation

Geophysical survey design

Spanish language fluency

Excel and Word proficiency

Education

B.S. in Mining/Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

M.Sc. in metallurgy/mining-related field

Ph.D. in metallurgy/mining-related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Company Overview

Certerra Subsurface Imaging Inc (formerly Hydrogeophysics Inc) is a full-service geophysical consulting company. We work across the world and specialize in mining solutions, environmental concerns and leak detection. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.

Company Overview

Certerra Subsurface Imaging Inc (formerly Hydrogeophysics Inc) is a full-service geophysical consulting company. We work across the world and specialize in mining solutions, environmental concerns and leak detection. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.

We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms.

With a 60-year history, CERTERRA has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world‑class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

POSITION: STAFF METALLURGIST

Job Description Summary

The Staff Metallurgist is responsible for applying hydrometallurgical expertise to the characterization of heap leach pads and the design and execution of solution injection programs on active and legacy mining operations. The role bridges process metallurgy with non-invasive subsurface imaging: the incumbent will interpret leach pad performance data (solution chemistry, recovery histories, column and bottle roll test results, operational records, and stacking configuration) and translate those observations into survey objectives that our geophysical team can test with electrical resistivity, induced polarization, and electromagnetic methods. Candidates are not expected to arrive with geophysical experience; the company will train the right metallurgist in its methods and workflows. Up to fifty percent field work is anticipated for both project performance and continued professional development. The Staff Metallurgist position is considered a permanent and salaried position. Position is open to applicants with compensation commensurate with the level of experience and technical expertise.

REPORTS TO: Divisional Vice President

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Interprets solution chemistry (PLS, ILS, raffinate) and operational records to assess leach pad performance and residual recovery potential for copper and gold operations.
• Develops conceptual models of leach maturity, short-circuiting, preferential flow, and residual metal distribution to guide geophysical survey design.
• Supports the design and implementation of low‑pressure solution injection well fields on active heap leach pads, including well spacing, bench placement, casing selection, and pilot test scoping.
• Reviews and interprets column leach tests, bottle roll tests, and metallurgical balance data in support of residual recovery assessments.
• Collaborates with geophysicists to correlate electrical resistivity, IP, and EM response to solution content, degree of saturation, and ore mineralogy.
• Co‑authors technical reports, technical memoranda, and proposals; contributes metallurgical sections and reviews integrated interpretations with higher‑level staff.
• Interacts with mine site metallurgy, process, and operations personnel during project scoping, field execution, and reporting.
• Provides Spanish‑language support during client interactions, site visits, and technical correspondence when applicable.
• Participates in training in geophysical acquisition and processing methods under the mentorship of senior staff and progresses toward independent field leadership over time.
• Contributes to bid preparation, scope development, and cost estimation for metallurgy‑adjacent projects.
• Supports field crews with site‑specific metallurgical context (e.g., acid distribution strategy, curing, aeration, stacking history) during survey planning and execution.
• Completes production reports, time logs, project logs, and other office or project‑related paperwork as required.
• Provides field supervision of support personnel as needed. May interact with subcontractors and clientele.
• Responsible for reporting defects in field or work‑related equipment.
• Assists with health and safety plans (e.g., HASP).
• Responsible for maintaining OSHA and MSHA certifications (company‑supported).
• Observes and enforces all safety protocols.

Requirements

Education: A B.S. degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with coursework in hydrometallurgy at a minimum. An M.Sc. in a metallurgy‑or mining‑related field counts as two years of experience, and a Ph.D. in the same counts as four years of experience.

Experience: 2+ years of experience on copper or gold heap leach, dump leach, or in‑situ leach projects, including exposure to operational leach pad performance, solution management, or metallurgical test work (column, bottle roll, or pilot scale). Display strong organizational skills, as well as excellent oral and written communication ability. Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word. Spanish‑language fluency (written and spoken) is strongly preferred given the company’s active project portfolio in Latin America. Candidates without prior geophysics background are encouraged to apply; training in resistivity, IP, and EM methods will be provided on the job.

Physical Demands: Must demonstrate the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds (special exemptions may apply).

Travel: Projects may require travel up to 50 percent of work schedule, including domestic and international assignments.

We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer

This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions