Description
This role will see you enhance your capabilities and the reputation of WSP's Mine Advisory team. You will collaborate with talented professionals working on iconic projects to drive future-ready outcomes that will benefit clients and communities.
We are seeking an accomplished Principal Tailings Engineer to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of tailings and mine waste projects. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients, lead complex technical studies and reviews, contribute to tailings governance initiatives, and play a key role in developing the next generation of tailings professionals while supporting the growth of WSP's Mine Advisory business both nationally and internationally.
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership on tailings storage facility (TSF) and mine waste projects across the full asset lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through operations, closure, and post-closure.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design, review, and governance of tailings management facilities in accordance with industry-leading practice.
- Act as a technical advisor to clients on tailings risk management, dam safety, consequence classification, monitoring programs, surveillance, and operational readiness.
- Lead or contribute to Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs), Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs), and Engineer of Record (EoR) support services.
- Provide strategic guidance on implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), ANCOLD, CDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Oversight and peer review of geotechnical investigations, design reports, stability assessments, water management studies, and operational monitoring programs.
- Support clients in developing tailings governance frameworks, risk management systems, Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs), and operational management plans.
- Build and maintain trusted client relationships while identifying opportunities for future work and contributing to business development activities.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing across the team.
- Represent WSP at industry forums, technical conferences, and client engagements as a recognised tailings subject matter expert.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining or Environmental Engineering, with postgraduate qualifications viewed favourably.
- 15+ years' experience in tailings, mine waste, geotechnical engineering, or related consulting environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading the design, operation, governance, and closure planning of Tailings Storage Facilities.
- Strong working knowledge of GISTM, ANCOLD Guidelines, CDA Dam Safety Guidelines, and relevant Australian and international regulatory frameworks.
- Recognised technical expertise in tailings engineering, including earthworks, embankment design, seepage management, stability assessment, water management, and dam safety.
- Proven ability to act as a technical lead, reviewer, or Engineer of Record support on complex tailings projects.
- Chartered Engineer status (CPEng/RPEQ/RPEV or equivalent) or eligibility to obtain chartership.
- Strong client relationship management and business development experience, including proposal preparation and project pursuit activities.
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience mentoring engineers and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to executive stakeholders, regulators, boards, and external review panels.
- Willingness and ability to undertake domestic and international travel as required.
Benefits:
- Work alongside industry-leading tailings and geotechnical professionals.
- Exposure to a diverse range of projects across Australia and internationally.
- A supportive team culture that values development, innovation, and technical excellence.
- Opportunities for structured career growth and professional accreditation.
- Flexible working options.