Principal Tailings Engineer

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.

What you’ll do:

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.

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.

About You 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. Why WSP?

Work alongside industry-leading tailings and geotechnical professionals.

Exposure to a diverse range of projects across…