Principal Tailings Engineer

Overview

As Principal Tailings Engineer, you drive technical leadership across tailings and mine waste initiatives within WSP’s Mine Advisory team. You will advise clients, oversee complex studies, and support governance and capability development to grow the practice globally. You will shape tailings strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the full asset life cycle. This role combines expert engineering with client leadership, collaboration, and mentoring to deliver world-class outcomes for communities and projects.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Structured career growth
• Professional accreditation opportunities
• Opportunities to travel internationally
• Supportive team culture

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on TSF and mine waste projects across concept to post-closure
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in planning, design, review, and governance of tailings facilities
• Advise clients on tailings risk, dam safety, monitoring, and operational readiness
• Lead or contribute to ITRs, DSRs, and Engineer of Record support
• Guide implementation of GISTM, ANCOLD, CDA and regulatory requirements
• Oversee peer reviews of geotechnical investigations, stability, and water management
• Support governance frameworks, TARPs, and operational management plans
• Develop client relationships and contribute to business development
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge across the team
• Represent WSP as a tailings subject matter expert at forums and client engagements

Key requirements

• Bachelor in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining or Environmental Engineering
• 15+ years’ experience in tailings, mine waste, geotechnical engineering, or related consulting
• Experience leading TSF design, operation, governance, and closure planning
• Strong knowledge of GISTM, ANCOLD Guidelines, CDA Dam Safety Guidelines, and regulatory frameworks
• Technical expertise in earthworks, embankment design, seepage, stability, water management, and dam safety
• Proven ability as technical lead, reviewer, or EoR on complex tailings projects
• Chartered Engineer status (CPEng/RPEQ/RPEV or equivalent) or eligible
• Client relationship management and business development experience
• Leadership experience mentoring engineers and leading multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills with executive and regulator audiences
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

• strong communication
• leadership
• mentoring
• tailings engineering
• earthworks and embankment design
• seepage management

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