Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams

About the role

The Principal Engineer Lead – Hydrology, Hydraulics & Dam Safety at BBA provides technical authority and leadership for water management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. This role is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams and tailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, and regulatory compliance are critical.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects
• Act as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructure
• Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including catchment and watershed analyses, extreme flood estimation, and design floods
• Lead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including spillway and outlet works capacity, flood routing, and freeboard assessments
• Perform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systems
• Develop and review water and mass balance models for tailings storage facilities and mine operations
• Support tailings governance frameworks, including design basis, operating criteria, and performance monitoring
• Contribute to closure and long-term water management strategies for tailings and mine facilities
• Lead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including DSRs, ITRs, consequence classification, and FMEA
• Support emergency preparedness and response planning, including dam break analysis and inundation mapping and emergency action plans (EAPs)
• Prepare and review dam safety documentation in support of regulatory submissions and audits
• Ensure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practices
• Serve as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionals
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authorities
• Promote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent
• Master’s degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong asset
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States
• 20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projects
• Demonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk management
• Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Asset: Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes
• Asset: Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping
• Asset: Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems
• Asset: Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)
• Asset: Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design

Skills

• Technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects
• Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes
• Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping
• Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems
• Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)
• Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design

Benefits

BBA offers an inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead, and be themselves. We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, and we value diversity and inclusion.

Pay

Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible working hours.