Principal, Mine Waste

Principal Geotechnical Engineer | Tailings, Mine Waste & Dam Safety | EOR We are seeking an accomplished Principal Geotechnical Engineer with 20+ years of experience in tailings, mine waste, geotechnical engineering, and mining consultancy to join our growing Mine Waste team. Our Mine Waste practice is a strategic area of growth, complementing our established rock mechanics and hydrogeology disciplines. You'll work alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams on geotechnical engineering, and mine waste projects significant projects while contributing to the continued growth and development of our mine waste capabilities.

Why Join Equilibrium? Global reach. Specialist expertise. Real influence.

Equilibrium brings together the global reach and expertise of an established consultancy with the autonomy and agility of a specialist firm.

Here, you'll work closely with experienced leaders, have a genuine voice in the business and see the impact of your work firsthand. As we grow, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership, deepen your expertise and play a meaningful role in shaping what comes next.

We want our people to grow with the business, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting contribution - not simply be part of the team, but help build the future of Equilibrium.

We want people to feel heard, supported and empowered to contribute — whether that's sharing an idea, challenging an assumption or helping a colleague succeed.

The Role: As Principal, Mine Waste will provide technical leadership in tailings engineering, mine waste engineering, geotechnical design, dam safety, Engineer of Record (EOR) services, and geotechnical risk management across complex mining projects.

You will:

Direct Complex Projects or Programs: Provide strategic oversight of geotechnical investigations, design, and delivery of tailings, waste rock spoils, and other mine waste projects, confirming safe work practices, managing overall project risk, confirming adherence to project governance, and maintaining client relationships

Direct Technical Excellence: Oversee technical quality of all aspects of projects, applying sound engineering judgement, providing company-wide technical direction, and adherence to industry best practices

Champion Facility Safety: Direct facility safety inspections, dam safety reviews, and other technical assessments, providing risk-informed recommendations and advising on client's safety management programs

Champion Innovation: Advance innovative approaches that strengthen Equilibrium's technical capabilities and industry leadership

Solve Complex Challenges: Collaborate with global multidisciplinary experts to develop practical, fit-for-purpose solutions

Develop People: Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and constructive technical review to junior and intermediate team members, fostering professional development, building technical capability and supporting career growth

Build Client Relationships: Develop trusted senior-level relationships with clients and key stakeholders, collaborating effectively with regulators, rightsholders, contractors, multidisciplinary teams and technical specialists

Grow the Business: Drive business development and market expansion through your professional network, strategic client relationships and Equilibrium's established reputation

Shape the Practice: Contribute to technical standards, service development and the continued growth of Equilibrium's mine waste practice through industry leadership, conference participation, technical publications and thought leadership

What We're Looking For:

20+ years of progressively senior experience in mining, geotechnical engineering, tailings engineering, mine waste engineering, mining consulting, dam safety, or engineering project delivery

Experience in northern climates is an asset

Deep technical expertise in mine waste structures (tailings dams, waste rock spoils, co-management structures, heap leach pads)

Experience as Engineer of Record (EOR), and current knowledge of applicable regulations, including Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) and relevant industry standards.

Experience in dam safety reviews or independent review boards is a plusExperience working within the mining and natural resources sector

Strong technical judgement and commercial awareness, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex environments.

A track record of strategic client relationships, business development and market growth

Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully, build trust, provide constructive technical feedback, and navigate challenging situations with empathy

Demonstrated senior leadership experience, including team development, m