Sr Engineer, Ground Control

Vale • ,

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Senior Engineer, Ground Control to join the Vale Base Metals CTO Geotechnical Office’s Geomechanics Studies team based in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. This is a permanent position. As the Senior Engineer, Ground Control, you’ll provide technical leadership in geomechanics, supporting mine planning, studies, and operations across a diverse mining portfolio that includes both open pit and underground operations in Canada and Brazil. The role focuses on geomechanical analysis, risk management, and decision support to ensure safe, stable, and productive mining. You will work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary technical studies and operations teams to meet safety and regulatory standards. In role, you will be part of a specialist team that delivers advanced geomechanics analyses, technical reviews, study plans, and will assist in communicating findings and risk mitigation strategies for improving the safety and profitability of our VBM assets located in both Canada and Brazil.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Geotechnical, Geomechanics, Mining/Rock Engineering, or related field.
• Registered or eligible to register as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada.
• 5-7 years of minimum work experience (4+ post P.Eng.) in relevant geotechnical fields.
• Strong experience with numerical modelling tools (e.g., FLAC3D, 3DEC, Rocscience Suite, Map3D) applied to mining geomechanics.
• Solid understanding of mine design, ground control, geology, hydrogeology, and mining operations.
• Knowledge of hydrogeological concepts as applied to geotechnical analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, high‑quality technical documents and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with demonstrated experience mentoring junior professionals and building relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Self‑starter with strong time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize competing technical and operational demands.

Nice To Haves

• Programming and scripting related to numerical modelling tools considered an asset.
• Knowledge of industry‑standard software related to mine planning, geological modelling, and geotechnical monitoring systems considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Perform geomechanics analyses and excavation designs supporting Life‑of‑Mine (LOM) plans, studies, and operational decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain geomechanical models, domains, and design parameters.
• Integrate geomechanical, geological, structural, seismic, hydrogeological, and mine planning data to deliver safe, practical mine designs.
• Provide geomechanics input to mining method selection, excavation and slope design, sequencing, and layout optimization.
• Assess geomechanical and seismic risks and define mitigation measures to protect safety and production in compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with Technical Services, Planning, Geology, Hydrogeology, and Operations to address slope stability, ground control, and seismic hazards.
• Support the development and implementation of Ground Control Management Plans, Seismic Risk Management Plans, and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).
• Participate in geotechnical investigations, audits, and reviews.
• Define geotechnical monitoring strategies, oversee installation and performance of monitoring systems, and interpret monitoring data to proactively manage stability risks.
• Prepare clear technical reports and presentations to communicate findings to operational teams and senior stakeholders.
• Mentor and support the development of geomechanics and geotechnical staff.
• Provide operational and on‑call technical support as required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities

What This Job Offers

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