Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Rio Tinto • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Rio Tinto is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated underground Senior Geotechnical Engineer to identify and manage geotechnical risks across mine development, infrastructure and production activities at Kennecott, a fully integrated copper mining operation just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. The role applies underground hard rock mining experience, geotechnical analysis and practical problem-solving in collaboration with operational and technical teams. It also involves communicating geotechnical recommendations and supporting the development of junior geotechnical engineers and geotechnicians.

The position reports to the Superintendent Geotechnical Engineer. The engineer will maintain ground control and seismic hazard plans and procedures; develop geotechnical databases; provide recommendations for mine development, infrastructure and production sequences; manage drilling, data collection and monitoring programs; design and review ground support; and assess seismic hazards and excavation stability using modelling, empirical methods and geotechnical software.

Kennecott is located near Salt Lake City, Utah, and includes a concentrator, smelter and refinery. The operation produces copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and sulfuric acid.

Requirements

• Commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant technical experience in an underground hard rock mine.
• Demonstrated understanding of underground mining methods and geotechnical hazard management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Rocsience software (RocData, Dips, Unwedge), Leapfrog, IMS, mXrap and Deswik.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to operate vehicles in both underground and open-pit mine settings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Ground Control Management Plan, Seismic Hazard Management Plan and geotechnical procedures.
• Develop and maintain geotechnical databases to support analysis, design, risk management and reporting.
• Provide geotechnical recommendations for mine development, infrastructure and production sequences, including stope stability and vertical development assessments.
• Manage geotechnical drilling and data collection programs to improve understanding of rock mass conditions.
• Design, implement and manage geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Design and review ground support systems, including intersection and stope support systems.
• Conduct seismic hazard assessments and back analysis using numerical modelling, empirical methods and geotechnical software to evaluate excavation stability and support performance.
• Collaborate with operations, mine planning, geology and other technical groups to identify and manage geotechnical risks, and communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers and geotechnicians.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary reflective of skills and experience, with an annual incentive bonus.
• Family-friendly health programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, plus voluntary benefits.
• Retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and 401k matching.
• Share ownership plan.
• PTO, paid holidays and paid bereavement leave.
• Parental leave.
• Leisure discount programs.
• Virgin Pulse wellbeing incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential counselling or expert guidance for employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior