POSITION OVERVIEWThe Senior Tailings Engineer is responsible for supporting the governance, planning, and performance assurance of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) at Pinto Valley Mine. This role provides technical expertise in tailings deposition, monitoring systems, QA/QC programs, facility performance, and construction practices related to tailings facility development to ensure alignment with design intent and operational execution, Engineer of Record (EOR) requirements, and the site Tailings Management System (TMS). The Senior Tailings Engineer works closely with the Superintendent, Tailings Governance & Engineering to develop deposition strategies, monitor performance against plan, and ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
This role may support water-related considerations as they relate to tailings performance (e.g., reclaim, pond management), in coordination with the Water Management team.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES- Tailings Governance & TMS: Support implementation and continuous improvement of the Tailings Management System (TMS), ensuring alignment with GISTM, regulatory requirements, and company standards
- Deposition Planning & Strategy: Support development and refinement of short- and long-term tailings deposition strategies and pond management plans in coordination with the Superintendent, Engineer of Record (EOR), and Water Management team
- Performance Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor, analyze, and interpret instrumentation and operational data to evaluate TSF performance against design assumptions and deposition plans; identify deviations and support corrective actions
- QA/QC & Construction Assurance: Develop and oversee QA/QC processes to ensure deposition and construction activities align with engineering design, including verification of field practices and construction quality
- Geotechnical & Stability Support: Support slope stability assessments and embankment performance evaluations, including review of geotechnical data, modeling inputs, and EOR recommendations
- Monitoring Systems & TARP: Support development and maintenance of monitoring systems, including instrumentation planning and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARP)
- EOR & External Coordination: Provide technical review of TSF-related work and coordinate with EOR, ITRB, and regulatory agencies; participate in inspections, audits, and reviews
- Compliance & Reporting: Support regulatory and corporate reporting (GISTM, ICMM, CDA), track compliance status, and ensure implementation of recommendations from inspections and audits
- Management of Change: Support Management of Change (MOC) processes for modifications to design, deposition plans, or operating conditions
- Planning & Budget Support: Assist in development of short- and long-term forecasts and Opex/Capex planning for tailings-related projects
- Training & Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers and support training of operations personnel on TSF performance, monitoring systems, and stability concepts
- Continuous Improvement: Support improvements to systems, processes, and performance of tailings facilities
POSITION REQUIREMENTSKnowledge
- Strong understanding of tailings storage facility design, deposition practices, and performance monitoring
- Working knowledge of water balance as it relates to tailings performance (reclaim, pond management)
- Knowledge of tailings facility construction methods, including earthworks and embankment raises
- Understanding of how construction quality and QA/QC impact TSF performance and stability
Key Competencies / Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining Engineering, or related discipline
- Minimum 5-8 years of experience in tailings engineering, design, or operational support
- Experience supporting or working on construction of TSFs, embankments, or mining infrastructure
- Experience with QA/QC processes and field verification practices
- Experience with slope stability or geotechnical analysis related to tailings facilities
- Familiarity with geotechnical modeling tools (e.g., GeoStudio, Slide) preferred
- Proven ability to operate independently and in small multi-discipline teams, demonstrated leadership skills, and be self-motivated
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills required
- Strong time management skills required
- Intermediate to Proficient computer skills, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office, CAD 3D,Microsoft Outlook)
- SAP experience (familiarity with SAP planning module, Asset Management a plus)
- Valid Arizona Driver's License
- Able to speak, comprehend, read, and write English
WORK ENVIRONMENT90% of the time will be spent working on strategies, plans and schedules; with the remaining 10% spent in the field.
All candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol test, and background check. All positions require a pre-placement physical examination to ensure candidates are 'fit for duty'. Additional training and/or testing may be required. Capstone maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
