Staff Engineer Metallurgist Tucson

Company Overview

Certerra Subsurface Imaging Inc (formerly Hydro geophysics Inc) is a full-service geophysical consulting company. We work across the world and specialize in mining solutions, environmental concerns and leak detection. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.

Certerra Subsurface Imaging Inc (formerly Hydro geophysics Inc) is a full-service geophysical consulting company. We work across the world and specialize in mining solutions, environmental concerns and leak detection. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.

We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms.

With a 60-year history, CERTERRA has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world‑class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

The Staff Metallurgist is responsible for applying hydrometallurgical expertise to the characterization of heap leach pads and the design and execution of solution injection programs on active and legacy mining operations. The role bridges process metallurgy with non-invasive subsurface imaging: the incumbent will interpret leach pad performance data (solution chemistry, recovery histories, column and bottle roll test results, operational records, and stacking configuration) and translate those observations into survey objectives that our geophysical team can test with electrical resistivity, induced polarization, and electromagnetic methods.

Candidates are not expected to arrive with geophysical experience; the company will train the right metallurgist in its methods and workflows. Up to fifty percent field work is anticipated for both project performance and continued professional development. The Staff Metallurgist position is considered a permanent and salaried position. Position is open to applicants with compensation commensurate with the level of experience and technical expertise.

REPORTS TO:

Divisional Vice President

• Interprets solution chemistry (PLS, ILS, raffinate) and operational records to assess leach pad performance and residual recovery potential for copper and gold operations.
• Develops conceptual models of leach maturity, short-circuiting, preferential flow, and residual metal distribution to guide geophysical survey design.
• Supports the design and implementation of low‑pressure solution injection well fields on active heap leach pads, including well spacing, bench placement, casing selection, and pilot test scoping.
• Reviews and interprets column leach tests, bottle roll tests, and metallurgical balance data in support of residual recovery assessments.
• Collaborates with geophysicists to correlate electrical resistivity, IP, and EM response to solution content, degree of saturation, and ore mineralogy.
• Co‑authors technical reports, technical memoranda, and proposals; contributes metallurgical sections and reviews integrated interpretations with higher‑level staff.
• Interacts with mine site metallurgy, process, and operations personnel during project scoping, field execution, and reporting.
• Provides Spanish‑language support during client interactions, site visits, and technical correspondence when applicable.
• Participates in training in geophysical acquisition and processing methods under the mentorship of senior staff and progresses toward independent field leadership…