Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer

Brunel is currently searching for a Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer for direct hire with our mining client located in Phoenix, Arizona
. This role will be a hybrid position, requiring in-person collaboration in-office in Phoenix (or surrounding mine sites), and working remote.

In this role you will oversee underground excavation stability management functions including underground excavation support design and stability monitoring and serve as resource for Geomechanical information and analysis.

• Perform critical review of technical reports, analyses, design plans, specifications, cost estimates and develop appropriate recommendations. Stay abreast of the state of the practice in geotechnical engineering to fulfill this role.
• Manage projects and serve as subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion, or modifications. Provide guidance to site managers and engineers on applicable programs, practices, and regulations.
• Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations to ensure a safe working environment based on relevant geological and stress conditions using empirical (Q or RMR), kinematic (un Wedge) and stress (RS3, phase
  2) based analysis methods.
• Manage and review underground excavation stability data collection, analysis and remedial work including underground excavation monitoring, data processing, rock strength parameters, and geologic structures.
• Proactively seek improvements to the safe mining of mine reserves relating to underground excavation monitoring, underground excavation maintenance, underground excavation support designs, Geomechanical data acquisition and analyses.
• Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to enhance the mine’s underground excavation stability program.
• Manage and provide Geomechanical project oversight and review relating to outside consultants.
• Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• Represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams.
• Perform other duties as requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and seven (7) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience; OR
• Master’s degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and five (5) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer.
• Knowledge in the principles and practices of mining, rock mechanics, geological, and/or geotechnical engineering or a related field of science or engineering.
• Expertise in modeling and numerical approaches to solving engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD, and geotechnical analysis).
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others.
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally for at least 2 weeks every quarter.

• Field experience gained at an underground mining operation.
• Experience in rock mass characterization, interpretation of geotechnical lab tests, and engineering analysis.
• Proficiency in using geotechnical software.

This position will be direct hire with our client. Base salary, plus bonus, benefits and generous retirement contributions.

• Work is in a mine setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear and see
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to thirty (30) pounds during the course of the workday
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hart hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required.
• Our client promotes a drug/alcohol‑free work environment using mandatory pre‑employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.