Principal Mining Engineer – Underground

Rio Tinto•Superior, WI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rio Tinto is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer to provide technical expertise to its Copper assets and studies, including the Resolution Project, Kennecott Underground, and Oyu Tolgoi Mine. The role represents the Central Technical function to operational, study, and project teams and supports the company’s vision to become the World’s Best Operator. Reporting to the Chief Underground Mining Engineer, the role provides technical leadership to underground mining studies and mines, monitors performance, supports major hazard management, and improves mining standards, processes, systems, and capability across the group. The position is based in Phoenix, primarily supporting Resolution and North American assets, with a flexible balance of office-based and work-from-home work. Periodic international travel and additional hours outside the standard working day are required to support colleagues in other time zones.

Requirements

Commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
Recognised bachelor’s degree in mining engineering.
Extensive underground technical experience in mining studies, projects, and operations.
Operational cave-mining experience, including mine design, scheduling, draw control, and hazard management.
Experience with Deswik and PCBC software.
Excellent stakeholder engagement capability.
Demonstrated commercial insight, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
Knowledge of risk assessment and management practices.
Sound leadership, coaching, and mentoring capability.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and direction to underground mining studies, incorporating lessons learned and best practices appropriate to orebody conditions.
Provide technical support to underground mines, particularly the Resolution project.
Monitor and evaluate underground project and operational performance, recommend improvement measures, and support implementation.
Support major hazard management activities associated with studies, projects, and operations.
Develop, document, and continually improve operations, including lessons learned, best-practice standards, guidelines, processes, and procedures.
Develop underground mining expertise and capability across the group, including stoping and cave mining, and foster collaboration between assets.
Improve technical systems and processes, including data quality and utilisation.
Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and relevant internal and external stakeholder groups.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration and performance-focused rewards.
Annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees.
Family-friendly health programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, plus voluntary benefits.
Retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution.
401(k) matching program.
Employee share program allowing employees to purchase Rio Tinto shares.
Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
Child-caregiver leave program with salary top-up of up to 100%.
Leisure discount programs.
Virgin Pulse wellbeing incentives.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
Learning and career development support.
Safety-focused and inclusive working environment.