Tailings & Water Engineer: Safety & Optimization

Rio Tinto; California (MO); On-site; USD 92,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

Health programs

Retirement plan

Share ownership plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Discount programs

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Rio Tinto Borates in California is seeking a Tailings & Water Engineer to join site operations. You will support tailings storage facility integrity, operate day-to-day ponds, and collaborate with site leadership to ensure design intent and safety standards are met.

This role offers exposure to cutting-edge modeling with GoldSim, drone-based inspections, and cross-functional teamwork across HSEC, regulatory, and engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program (geotechnical, civil, chemical).
• Master's degree in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering is highly regarded.
• Experience in GISTM compliance and tailings governance is required.
• Experience with tailings facility operations, surveillance, drone inspections, and risk management.
• On-site liaison with interdisciplinary stakeholders and strong communication skills.
• Project or client management experience; proactive learning approach; EIT preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of tailings ponds and facilities per design intent.
• Conduct drone-based photogrammetry, thermal, and LiDAR scans; pursue UAV Part 107 certification.
• Develop and maintain GoldSim models for tailings and water management.
• Report incidents per D5 standards; maintain OMS manual; monitor and report data.
• Coordinate with EoR, Designer of Record, projects, HSEC, and regulatory teams.
• Assist with compliance to Rio Tinto Standards for tailings and water storage risk.
• Support short- and long-term planning with Responsible Dam Engineer; audits and regulatory visits.

Job description

Rio Tinto Borates in California is seeking a Tailings & Water Engineer to join site operations. You will support tailings storage facility integrity, operate day-to-day ponds, and collaborate with site leadership to ensure design intent and safety standards are met.

This role offers exposure to cutting-edge modeling with GoldSim, drone-based inspections, and cross-functional teamwork across HSEC, regulatory, and engineering disciplines.