Principal Tailings Engineer

About the role

Our Africa‑based team is seeking a Principal Tailings Engineer to lead and expand our mine‑waste engineering capabilities. You will work with senior consultants and clients across the continent, driving strategy, technical delivery and business growth.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Develop and implement company strategy and growth initiatives for mine‑waste services.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients using your network.
• Provide technical leadership and oversee projects, often within multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Review feasibility studies and designs of tailings dams, heap‑leach pads and related infrastructure, including geotechnical investigations, stability analyses, water balances and deposition planning.
• Conduct dam safety evaluations, risk assessments, audits and inspections of mine‑waste facilities.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Engineering in civil engineering; postgraduate qualifications in geotechnical or water engineering are a plus.
• Professional registration as a civil or geotechnical engineer (e.g., PrEng) with at least 15 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in project delivery and technical oversight.
• Excellent English communication skills and a strong network within the mining sector.
• Knowledge of global industry standards and guidelines for tailings and mine‑waste facilities.
• Commercial acumen and experience with closure and water‑engineering requirements.

Required skills

• Mine‑waste engineering and tailings dam design.
• Geotechnical investigations, stability analysis and water‑balance modelling.
• Dam safety evaluation and risk assessment.
• Project team leadership and technical review of design documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Use of specialised geotechnical and dam‑engineering software.

What we offer

• Flexible and supportive work environment within a global leader in environmental advisory.
• Opportunities for collaboration across 100+ offices in 13 countries.
• Professional development and exposure to high‑profile mining projects.