Senior Geotechnical Engineer Rock Mechanics (Underground)

Location: FIFO 14 X 14 Rotation

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Geotechnical Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a strong specialization in Rock Mechanics to lead technical programs that support safe, productive, and sustainable underground mining operations. This high-impact role combines technical depth, leadership, and collaboration across disciplines, ideal for a geotechnical professional eager to take the next step in their career.

As a key member of the technical services team, you will provide rock mechanics expertise throughout the mine lifecycle from early design to active operations and closure. You'll work closely with mine planning, operations, geology, and safety teams to align geotechnical strategies with business goals and ensure effective risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Geotechnical Analysis & Design

• Conduct, review, and validate advanced geotechnical assessments including rock mass classification, kinematic and structural analysis, numerical modeling, and ground support optimization.
• Lead geotechnical design input for underground excavations (stopes, drifts, ramps, shafts) and surface infrastructure where required.
• Integrate geotechnical inputs with short-, medium-, and long-term mine planning efforts.

Ground Control & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve ground control management plans.
• Monitor and evaluate geotechnical conditions using instrumentation data, field observations, and operational feedback.
• Proactively identify geotechnical hazards and implement mitigation measures in alignment with operational safety standards.

Data Collection & Interpretation

• Design and manage field programs including core logging, structural mapping, borehole investigations, and instrumentation installation.
• Analyze geotechnical data and translate findings into actionable insights for engineering, planning, and safety teams.
• Ensure data quality, traceability, and alignment with regulatory and internal reporting standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide technical geotechnical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including mine operations, planning, safety, geology, and hydrogeology.
• Participate in site audits, design reviews, ground control inspections, and external technical engagements.
• Liaise with external consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities as required.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and support junior geotechnical engineers and technologists in technical development, field work, and reporting.
• Lead or contribute to technical innovation initiatives and continuous improvement of geotechnical practices.
• Manage project scopes, budgets, and timelines while ensuring technical quality and compliance.
• Bachelor's degree in Geological, Mining, Civil, or Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 815 years of geotechnical experience in an underground mining environment, with a focus on rock mechanics.
• Strong background in: Rock mass behaviour and support design, Slope and excavation stability analysis, Instrumentation and ground monitoring systems, Numerical modelling (e.g., RS2/RS3, FLAC3D, UnWedge, Slide, etc.).
• Proficient with geological and geotechnical software such as Leapfrog, Deswik, AutoCAD, or similar.
• Experience in both operations and consulting environments is an asset.
• Professional Engineering (P. Eng.) registration or eligibility to register.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and technical writing skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites both within Canada and internationally, as required.
• Technically curious, with a deep understanding of rock mechanics principles and practical field application.
• A confident decision-maker with strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a cross-functional environment.
• A mentor who enjoys helping others grow and who leads by example.
• Committed to maintaining a high standard of safety, integrity, and quality in every aspect of your work.