Geotechnical Engineer

About the Role

 
We are seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Design to join a high-performing technical services team supporting large-scale open pit mining operations and growth projects.
This role is responsible for delivering geotechnical designs, assessments and studies that support safe, practical and value-focused mine development. Working closely with mine planning, geology, hydrogeology and operational teams, you will contribute to slope design, waste rock dump assessments, long-term mine planning, geotechnical investigations and risk management activities across multiple operations.
The position offers a combination of strategic design work, technical leadership and collaboration with site-based teams and specialist consultants.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver open pit slope designs, waste rock dump assessments and geotechnical inputs to life-of-mine and medium-term planning activities.
• Conduct geotechnical studies and provide recommendations to support mining operations, project development and feasibility studies.
• Plan and coordinate geotechnical investigations including drilling, laboratory testing, geological mapping and data collection programs.
• Complete geotechnical modelling, stability assessments and design parameter development using recognised industry methodologies.
• Integrate geotechnical, geological, structural and hydrogeological data into practical mine design recommendations.
• Identify, assess and communicate geotechnical risks, uncertainties and monitoring requirements.
• Develop and review monitoring strategies, trigger levels and response actions in collaboration with operational teams.
• Support implementation of approved designs and provide technical advice on changing ground conditions and emerging geotechnical risks.
• Coordinate technical reviews, address review findings and maintain appropriate design governance documentation.
• Mentor and support developing geotechnical engineers through technical coaching and peer review.

Required Experience

• Significant experience in open-pit geotechnical engineering within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking:
  • Slope design
  • Slope stability assessments
  • Waste rock dump assessments
  • Geotechnical risk evaluations
  • Mine plan reviews
• Experience managing geotechnical investigations and coordinating specialist consultants.
• Experience supporting operational implementation of geotechnical designs.
• Exposure to large-scale mining studies and long-term planning activities.

Technical Knowledge

• Rock mass characterisation and geotechnical domaining.
• Open pit slope design and stability assessment.
• Waste rock dump design and performance evaluation.
• Groundwater and pore pressure impacts on slope performance.
• Slope monitoring systems and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).
• Geotechnical risk assessment and governance processes.
• Mine planning and feasibility study methodologies.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Experience with geotechnical modelling software such as Rocscience Suite (RS2, Slide2/Slide3) or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and operational stakeholders.
• Professional registration or progress toward registration is advantageous.
• Postgraduate geotechnical qualifications are highly regarded.

What We're Looking For

 
We are interested in engineers who combine strong technical capability with practical operational awareness and can confidently influence mine design decisions, evaluate risk and contribute to safe, efficient and sustainable mining outcomes. Experience working across both study and operational environments within large open-pit mining operations will be highly regarded.
 
 
DRD Group is a specialist recruitment provider renowned for recruiting quality project teams on major projects within the Energy, Resources, Defence, Renewables and Infrastructure sectors.

DRD Group embraces a diverse workforce culture and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All work assignments are subject to successful completion of a medical, drug and alcohol screen plus verification of all original certifications and qualifications.