Sr Geotechnical Engineer

At Stantec, we help deliver the critical minerals needed to power our world, from the cars we drive to the infrastructure powering our communities. We design the largest, deepest, and most technically challenging mines in the world—sustainably. We’re helping clients reduce energy usage, adopt clean energy sources, and implement digital solutions and automation. Join our team of mining professionals to be at the forefront of this evolving industry while building the mine of the future and your own career.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior-Level Civil or Geotechnical Engineer to join our U.S. Energy and Resources Geotechnical Team. In this role, you will work across the full mining lifecycle—from early-stage concept development through operations and closure—with a primary focus on tailings storage facilities, heap leach facilities, and waste rock management systems. You will handle technically challenging assignments requiring sound judgment, defensible engineering, and risk-informed decision-making. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to water dams, pumped storage, and hydropower projects, providing technical variety and long-term career flexibility.

You will join a collaborative national team of approximately 100 geotechnical professionals, working alongside industry leaders and subject matter experts. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining technical depth with leadership—developing client relationships, leading and reviewing complex geotechnical work, preparing scopes, budgets, and schedules, and mentoring junior and intermediate engineers. The position offers a clear pathway to serve as Deputy Engineer of Record (DEoR) or Engineer of Record (EoR) for active or inactive tailings facilities, with strong institutional support and alignment with best-practice governance frameworks.

Domestic and international travel may be required for site inspections and oversight of field activities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative team environment, supporting technically rigorous and defensible engineering solutions across complex mining and dam safety projects.
• Lead and review geotechnical projects across the full project lifecycle—from site investigation and concept development through detailed design, construction support, operations, and closure—ensuring work is delivered on time and on budget.
• Perform and review advanced geotechnical analyses, including numerical modeling using industry-standard tools such as GeoStudio, Rocscience, and FLAC, with a focus on tailings, mine waste, and water retention structures.
• Lead the development of high-quality technical deliverables, including reports, memoranda, construction specifications, and design drawings, consistent with industry best practice and regulatory expectations.
• Serve as a technical lead in engagements with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs), regulators, and external reviewers, including preparation and delivery of clear, defensible technical presentations.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, supporting proposal development, scope definition, budgeting, and broader business development activities for mining and dam-related projects.
• Mentor and supervise junior and intermediate engineers, supporting technical growth, quality control, and team development, and contributing to hiring and talent development initiatives.
• Serve as Deputy Engineer of Record (DEoR) or Engineer of Record (EoR) for active or inactive tailings storage facilities, with a willingness to assume EoR responsibilities in the near future.
• Promote and adhere to safe work practices, ensuring compliance with company, client, and regulatory requirements when planning and executing work, including field activities.

Requirements

• Exceptional technical writing, organizational, and leadership abilities, along with strong oral communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with water dam and/or mine waste/tailings management design or mine closure/reclamation designs.
• Demonstrated experience applying GISTM-aligned design, performance monitoring, and risk-based decision-making frameworks throughout the TSF lifecycle (design, operations, and closure).
• Strong understanding of tailings risk management, including failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), trigger action response plans (TARPs), and integration of monitoring data into operational decision-making.
• Experience supporting or interfacing with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs), regulators, and external stakeholders throughout permitting, design review, and operational phases.
• Proven ability to integrate monitoring technologies (piezometers, inclinometers, remote sensing, survey, InSAR, data dashboards) into performance evaluation and dam safety stewardship programs.
• Practical experience with closure and post-closure strategies for TSFs and mine waste facilities, including long-term performance objectives, landform design, and risk reduction measures.
• Knowledge of filtered tailings, thickened tailings, and alternative tailings deposition technologies, including constructability considerations and operational risk trade-offs.
• Experience working under Engineer of Record (EoR) / Deputy EoR frameworks, with a clear understanding of accountability, documentation, and ongoing stewardship responsibilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and global teams, integrating geotechnical, hydrological, environmental, and operational inputs into defensible engineering outcomes.
• Ability to lead and mentor younger professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a M.S. in Civil Engineering with preference given to advanced degrees.
• 15+ years of experience working on civil and/or geotechnical engineering projects, focusing on design, site investigation, reporting, and business development on tailings and mine waste projects.
• Existing professional registration (P.E.) or ability to obtain within 3-6 months of starting work.

Benefits

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Wellness program, health saving accounts, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan and employee stock purchase program.
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Short-term/long-term disability plans.
• Emergency travel benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• Professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave.
• Ten paid holidays per calendar year.
• Vacation accrual between 10 and 20 days per year and paid sick leave (or more if required by state/local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

Pay

Pay range for locations in CO, HI, IL, MD, and various areas in CA, NJ, VA: $117,800.00 - $176,800.00 annually. Final compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. Certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.