Principal Engineer – Civil, Geotechnical (Mining)

About the role

Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for BBA’s mining projects, supporting the growth of the Civil and Infrastructure group. Lead the planning, design, and execution of tailings storage facilities, mine waste storage facilities, earthworks, foundations, access roads, and water management infrastructure, while overseeing multidisciplinary teams and supporting business development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead engineer for civil and geotechnical components of mining infrastructure projects, with full accountability for technical quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and oversee integrated civil and geotechnical site investigations, including drilling programs, pits, laboratory work, and field instrumentation.
• Perform and review advanced civil and geotechnical analyses, including static and seismic slope stability for tailings dams, waste rock facilities, and embankments; seepage, groundwater flow, and water balance assessments; foundation design for heavy industrial and mining facilities; earthworks design, grading, and constructability evaluations.
• Lead the civil, geotechnical, and hydrotechnical design of tailings storage facilities (upstream, downstream, centerline); waste rock dumps, heap leach pads, and stockpiles; water retention, diversion, and conveyance systems; roads, platforms, and mine infrastructure earthworks.
• Review, approve, and author design criteria, technical reports, construction drawings, and specifications.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, integrating civil, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, environmental, and structural inputs.
• Oversee quality control, schedule, and budget management throughout all project phases.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and operational phases, including site visits and performance monitoring.
• Identify and manage technical and project risks, with a strong focus on mine waste and tailings governance.
• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to civil and geotechnical engineers across the organization.
• Establish and promote best practices, standards, and guidelines for civil and geotechnical design in mining projects.
• Support internal technical reviews, independent checks, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to mining clients, supporting project definition, risk assessment, and technical decision-making.
• Contribute to proposals, scope development, and fee estimates.
• Support the development and execution of a business plan for civil and geotechnical mining services, including tailings and mine waste management.
• Represent BBA in client meetings, technical workshops, and regulatory discussions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or equivalent.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Civil, Geotechnical is considered a strong asset.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE / P.Eng.) in a recognized jurisdiction.
• 20+ years of progressive experience in civil and geotechnical engineering, primarily in the mining sector.
• Proven experience as Engineer of Record (EOR) for civil and/or geotechnical components of mining projects (strong asset).
• Extensive experience with earthworks, foundations, mine waste, tailings, heap leach pads, and water management systems.
• Strong project management, leadership, and client relationship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong client focus with high ethical standards.
• Passion for solving complex, high-risk engineering challenges.
• Results-driven with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Inspiring leadership and commitment to mentoring.
• Collaborative and knowledge-sharing approach.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices.

Skills

• Technical leadership and strategic direction for mining projects.
• Technical mentorship and leadership to civil and geotechnical engineers.
• Project management and delivery of civil and geotechnical engineering projects.
• Client engagement and business development in mining services.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on complex, high-risk engineering challenges in the mining sector.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible working hours to accommodate project needs.

About BBA

BBA is one of Canada’s leading private consulting engineering firms, with over 45 years of experience serving the energy and natural resources industry. Our people are the foundation of our success. Their passion and excellence have earned us recognition as one of Canada’s Best Employers and Best Managed Companies, and we’re committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead, and be themselves.