Principal Engineer – Civil, Geotechnical

Type of position: Regular

Your future role at BBA

As Principal Engineer Lead – Civil & Geotechnical (Mining), you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for BBA's mining projects, supporting the growth of the Civil and Infrastructure group. This role is accountable for the integrated civil and geotechnical design of mine infrastructure, acting as a technical authority and Engineer of Record (EOR) for complex, high-risk facilities.You will lead the planning, design, and execution of tailings storage facilities, mine waste storage facilities, earthworks, foundations, access roads, and water management infrastructure, while overseeing multidisciplinary teams and supporting business development initiatives. This position is ideal for a senior professional who combines deep technical expertise, sound engineering judgment, people leadership, and client-facing credibility.

With us, you'll get the opportunity to

Technical Leadership

• Act lead engineer for civil and geotechnical components of mining infrastructure projects, with full accountability for technical quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and oversee integrated civil and geotechnical site investigations, including drilling programs, test pits, laboratory testing, and field instrumentation.
• Perform and review advanced civil and geotechnical analyses, including:
• Static and seismic slope stability for tailings dams, waste rock facilities, and embankments
• Seepage, groundwater flow, and water balance assessments
• Foundation design for heavy industrial and mining facilities
• Earthworks design, grading, and constructability evaluations
• Lead the civil, geotechnical, and hydrotechnical design of:
• Tailings storage facilities (upstream, downstream, centerline)
• Waste rock dumps, heap leach pads, and stockpiles
• Water retention, diversion, and conveyance systems
• Roads, platforms, and mine infrastructure earthworks
• Review, approve, and author design criteria, technical reports, construction drawings, and specifications.

Project Management & Delivery

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, integrating civil, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, environmental, and structural inputs.
• Oversee quality control, schedule, and budget management throughout all project phases.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and operational phases, including site visits and performance monitoring.
• Prepare and review quantities, cost estimates, and construction documentation.
• Identify and manage technical and project risks, with a strong focus on mine waste and tailings governance.

Leadership, Mentorship

• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to civil and geotechnical engineers across the organization.
• Establish and promote best practices, standards, and guidelines for civil and geotechnical design in mining projects.
• Support internal technical reviews, independent checks, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to mining clients, supporting project definition, risk assessment, and technical decision-making.
• Contribute to proposals, scope development, and fee estimates.
• Support the development and execution of a business plan for civil and geotechnical mining services, including tailings and mine waste management.
• Represent BBA in client meetings, technical workshops, and regulatory discussions.

Do your qualities and values match our corporate culture?

• Strong client focus with high ethical standards
• Passion for solving complex, high-risk engineering challenges
• Results-driven with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Inspirational leadership and commitment to mentoring
• Collaborative and knowledge-sharing approach
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices.

Summary of certifications and job requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering , or equivalent
• Master's degree or PhD in Civil, Geotechnical is considered a strong asset
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE / P.Eng.) in a recognized jurisdiction
• 20+ years of progressive experience in civil and geotechnical engineering, primarily in the mining sector
• Proven experience as Engineer of Record (EOR) for civil and/or geotechnical components of mining projects (strong asset)
• Extensive experience with earthworks, foundations, mine waste, tailings, Heap leach pads and water management systems
• Strong project management, leadership, and client relationship skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Travel to project sites across the United States, and occasionally internationally.

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About BBA

BBA is one of Canada's leading private consulting engineering firms, with over 45 years of experience serving the energy and natural resources industry.

Our people are the foundation of our success. Their passion and excellence have earned us recognition as one of Canada's Best Employers and Best Managed Companies, and we're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead and be themselves.

Our teams bring together engineering, environmental and commissioning expertise to deliver practical, innovative and sustainable solutions—from strategy to execution. With 20 offices across Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, we combine local presence with international reach, offering clients close collaboration and field-ready support.

Learn more about our culture and projects on LinkedIn or connect with our talent team.