Geotechnical Engineer - Kennecott Copper

Rio Tinto • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the operational geotechnical and slope monitoring requirements at the Kennecott Copper open pit mine. Reporting to the Geotechnical Superintendent, the Engineer, Geotechnical will work on an 8 days on / 6 days off roster. The position involves collaborating with operational and functional teams to identify, assess, and communicate geotechnical risks and hazards. Responsibilities include conducting site inspections, analyzing slope monitoring data from various sources, preparing technical reports, and providing input into Geotechnical Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs). The role also involves reviewing slope conformance, recommending mitigation measures, collaborating with drill and blast teams, and supporting mine plans and slope designs to ensure safe production outcomes.

Requirements

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Geology
• Minimum 2 years of relevant technical experience in an operating mine
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams
• Experience using geotechnical engineering software (e.g., Rocscience Suite: Rocfall, Slide 2D/3D, RS2/RS3, Dips)
• Experience with mine planning and modeling tools such as MineSight, PointStudio, and/or Leapfrog
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to work safely in open pit environments
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Experience using and interpreting geotechnical monitoring data to make informed decisions regarding risk to large open pit mining operations
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Identifying, assessing, and clearly communicating geotechnical risks and hazards across the operation
• Conducting regular site inspections of pit slopes, dumps, stockpiles, and natural slope areas
• Analyzing and interpreting slope monitoring data from multiple sources, including ground‑based radar, InSAR, GNSS/prisms, subsurface instruments, and LiDAR/photogrammetry
• Preparing technical reports, presentations, and summaries of slope monitoring and geotechnical data
• Providing input into the development and implementation of Geotechnical Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs)
• Reviewing slope conformance and recommending ground control and rockfall mitigation measures
• Collaborating with drill and blast engineering teams to minimize wall damage in critical areas
• Supporting the implementation of mine plans and slope designs
• Working closely with mine planning, engineering, operations, and the Geotechnical Monitoring Center to support safe production outcomes

Benefits

• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top‑tier family‑friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees