Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Mine Waste & Tailings Design

Lead Civil/Geotechnical Engineer

This position is with WSP’s US Mine Waste team. The primary location is Lakewood, CO, and we also consider Madison, WI and St. Louis, MO. You will be part of a regional team working on mining, heavy civil, and geotechnical projects.

• Lead the civil design of mine waste containment (tailings and waste rock) and heap leach facilities, including initial layout, site selection, facility layout, geotechnical and hydrologic analyses, and preparation of design drawings and technical specifications for construction.
• Manage and execute a variety of mine waste geotechnical engineering projects, including field investigations, laboratory testing programs, data interpretation, and geotechnical analysis.
• Scope, direct, and review complex geotechnical analyses focusing on soil mechanics, stability, seepage, thermal modeling, deposition modeling, and run‑out analyses for mine waste or water embankment dams and waste rock spoils.
• Independently manage projects according to client‑approved scopes, delivering high‑quality reports on time and within budget under senior review and oversight.
• Contribute to client relationships and business development activities focused on building and growing WSP’s business.
• Lead and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Support technical proposals and design work packages in response to client needs.
• Manage the work of junior engineers.
• Stay current with the latest geotechnical engineering techniques and practices.
• Collaborate with other engineers and planners on infrastructure projects funded by federal, state, and local authorities.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of post‑education experience in engineering and geotechnical design.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• Experience on tailings management and heap leach facility designs in the mining industry.
• Sound knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
• Client liaison and business development skills.
• Project management experience with small to mid‑level projects, including scoping, tracking hours, and expenses.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong self‑leadership, attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization.
• Independent work with minimal oversight and leadership of junior team members, with QA/QC compliance.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, and engineering software (Micro Station, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, Geo Slope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS).
• Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills for data analysis and model application.
• Experience coordinating and directing subcontractors and ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and compliance with WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that meet project‑specific requirements, including extended hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.

• Master’s Degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Willingness to work across business sectors and on varied tasks, including short‑notice assignments.
• Enthusiasm for field work and travel (local and national).
• 40‑Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR ) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout an employee’s career. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, or attending naturalization proceedings.

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $98,300 – $149,500. WSP USA reserves the right to offer higher or lower compensation based on the applicant’s education, experience, skills, and the geographic location.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.