Senior Underground Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

The successful candidate for the Senior UG Geotechnical Engineer will lead the geotechnical functions for the Underground Mine. Reporting to the UG Technical Services Manager, this position will provide all aspects of geotechnical engineering support for mine planning, operations, and contractors to ensure the mine operates effectively and safely. The underground is currently in its early development stages transitioning from exploration development to capital development.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual to build the foundation for the underground geotechnical group, standards, and procedures that will be used for the life of mine.

Lead ground control planning and design for underground excavations, including selection and optimization of rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete, cable bolts, and other support systems suitable for complex ground conditions.

Conduct and oversee geotechnical logging, rock mass classification (e.g., RMR, Q-system), and structural mapping for various mining zones and development headings.

Perform stability and stress analysis using advanced geotechnical software (e.g., RS2, FLAC3D, UnWedge, UDEC/3

DEC) to support stope design, backfill performance, pillar stability, and sequencing.

Implement and manage underground monitoring systems including extensometers, convergence monitoring, stress cells, and microseismic arrays. Analyze data to track ground performance and inform mine planning.

Identify geotechnical hazards such as rockburst, seismicity, fault reactivation, and ground squeezing; develop and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with the operations team.

Collaborate closely with mine engineers, geology, and operations to provide geotechnical input into stope designs, development layouts, extraction sequencing, and backfill strategies.

Manage scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for geotechnical components of capital and operational projects.

Prepare documentation in support of MSHA-compliant ground control plans, permitting, and internal audits.

Provide mentorship and technical support to junior engineers and technicians; participate in internal knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position works approximately 30% of the time in the underground. Underground work includes field observations on foot, driving underground, engaging with and collecting information from employees in the field, and providing education to employees.

This position works approximately 70% in an office setting on the surface. The majority of the office duties include performing essential functions on a computer screen and attending or facilitating meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, mining or civil engineering or equivalent.
• Geotechnical
  
  Experience:
  
  Underground 5+ Years.
• Familiarity with U.S. mining regulations and MSHA ground control standards.
• Proficiency in rock mechanics design, numerical modeling, and ground monitoring techniques.
• Strong field presence and practical problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the Technical Services team.
• Demonstrate strong administrative, organizational and technical writing skills.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

• Experience with instrumentation data systems (e.g., Ground Probe, IDS, Vibrating Wire sensors).
• Strong understanding of common U.S. mining methods (e.g., cut & fill, room & pillar, sublevel stoping, block caving).
• Experience with backfill systems (pastefill, cemented rockfill) and their interaction with excavation stability.
• Working knowledge of Vulcan or Deswik preferable and Rocscience and Map3D software desirable.