Senior to Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Tailings Storage Facilities & Geotechnical Engineering | MER Group

Based in Sydney (Head Office) or Melbourne with remote working considered for the right candidate | Full time | Flexible working arrangements | Site visits required per project needs

We're looking for a Senior to Principal Geotechnical Engineer to play a key role in the design, assessment and delivery of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and geotechnical infrastructure for mining and energy clients across Australia. Whether you're an experienced Senior Engineer looking to step into greater technical leadership, or an established Principal Engineer ready to take on Engineer of Record (EoR) responsibilities, this role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on projects, people and the future direction of the business.

You'll work alongside mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and process engineers to deliver integrated engineering solutions for complex resource projects. You'll remain close to the technical work while having the opportunity to mentor others, influence project outcomes and help shape the growth of a rapidly expanding consultancy.

About MER Group

MER Group is an engineering consultancy serving primarily the resources sector, covering process plant design, mechanical and electrical engineering, civil and mine infrastructure, and tailings and water storage facility design and governance. We plan, design, deliver and maintain the infrastructure that enables the responsible recovery and processing of resources that support modern life.

Our culture is built on open communication, technical excellence and shared accountability. We value practical thinking, continuous improvement and engineers who take ownership of outcomes. People are trusted to make decisions, challenge ideas constructively and contribute to the success of both projects and the business.

As the business continues to grow, so do the opportunities for our people. We actively support professional development, leadership growth and career progression for those who want to expand their influence and take on greater responsibility.

The Opportunity

You'll take ownership of geotechnical engineering delivery across tailings storage facilities, water storage infrastructure and mine site geotechnical works.

Depending on your experience and capability, your responsibilities may range from leading significant technical work packages through to acting as Engineer of Record (EoR), providing technical leadership across multiple projects, mentoring engineering teams and serving as the primary technical contact for clients and regulators.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, building trusted client relationships and delivering practical engineering outcomes while remaining hands-on with design, analysis and construction support.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead technical design, reviews, construction support and closure planning for geotechnical and tailings storage facility (TSF) projects.

- Act as Engineer of Record (EoR), or support the EoR, for active TSF and geotechnical projects.

- Undertake geotechnical analyses,



stability assessments and dam safety reviews in line with ANCOLD guidelines and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

- Develop, review and approve designs, specifications, monitoring programs and construction documentation for TSFs, waste rock dumps, heap leach facilities and water storage infrastructure.

- Work closely with mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and process engineers to deliver integrated project solutions.

- Directly engage with mine operators, regulators and contractors on technical matters and compliance obligations.

- Plan and execute site investigations, instrumentation and monitoring programs, construction quality assurance, site and dam safety inspections and geotechnical risk assessments.

- Contribute to project planning, scope development, scheduling, budgeting and resource management.

- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to graduate, junior and intermediate engineers.

- Build strong relationships with clients, contractors and stakeholders and contribute to successful project outcomes.

- Ensure designs comply with relevant Australian standards, ANCOLD guidelines, safety requirements and environmental obligations.

- Drive continuous improvement in engineering quality, systems and project delivery.

- For Principal-level candidates, provide technical governance, peer review and discipline leadership across multiple projects, support the growth of the geotechnical team, and contribute to business development including client relationships and proposal leadership.

What You'll Bring

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

- Approximately 8+ years' experience in geotechnical engineering, including exposure to tailings storage facility (TSF) or water storage facility design and construction.

- Strong technical capability in geotechnical analysis, stability assessment and site investigation.

- Experience working in multidisciplinary project teams.

- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

- A desire to continue developing into technical and project leadership positions, including towards an Engineer of Record (EoR) role.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

- Approximately 15+ years' experience in tailings or geotechnical engineering, including TSF design and construction.

- Demonstrated experience as Engineer of Record (EoR) or technical lead on tailings or geotechnical projects.

- Ability to provide independent technical review of tailings and geotechnical designs, numerical models and dam safety assessments.

- Chartered Engineer (CPEng) and/or NER registration, or eligibility to obtain the professional registrations required for project sign-off in Victoria (RPEV) and Queensland (RPEQ).

- Proven ability to mentor engineers,



lead multidisciplinary teams and develop trusted client relationships.

- Strong commercial awareness and a track record of contributing to business development and project growth.

For All Candidates

- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.

- Strong knowledge of geotechnical and tailings engineering principles, ANCOLD, ICOLD, CDA and GISTM, Mine Waste Dump and Stockpile Design guidelines and applicable Australian and International standards.

- Proficiency in slope stability, seepage and deformation analysis (e.g. GeoStudio, PLAXIS), with exposure to tailings deposition and water balance modelling (e.g. MUK3D) an advantage.

- Excellent report writing, communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Experience preparing proposals, developing scopes of work, and contributing to business development activities.

- A practical, solutions-focused approach and commitment to engineering quality and dam safety.

- Willingness to travel to site as required, and a valid driver's licence.

- Postgraduate qualifications in geotechnical engineering or a related field are advantageous but not essential.

- Familiarity with Dams Safety NSW, EPA NSW and NSW Resources Regulator requirements highly regarded.

Remuneration & Benefits

We recognise that great engineers create significant value, and we believe they should be rewarded accordingly.

Competitive Package

- Competitive remuneration package reflecting experience, technical leadership and commercial contribution.

- Annual remuneration reviews linked to performance and market conditions.

- Superannuation paid in accordance with legislative requirements.

Performance-Based Incentives

- Annual incentive bonus linked to business growth.

Career Growth

- Pathway from Senior to Lead and Principal Engineer.

- Opportunity to progress to Associate level for exceptional performers who contribute to the growth of the business.

- Support for Chartered status, NER registration and professional engineering registrations.

- Access to technical training, leadership development and industry conferences.

Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

- Flexibility to work from home 2 to 3 days a week tailored to individual circumstances.

- Hybrid and remote working options considered for the right candidate.

- Focus on outcomes and accountability rather than unnecessary oversight.

- A culture that supports autonomy, trust and professional flexibility.

Additional Benefits

- Exposure to technically challenging tailings and geotechnical projects.

- Direct access to senior leadership and decision-makers.

- Opportunity to influence strategy, technical standards and the future direction of the business.

- Collaborative environment where good ideas are recognised regardless of title.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for an opportunity to work on challenging tailings and geotechnical projects, influence meaningful outcomes and build a long-term career with a growing multidisciplinary consultancy, we'd like to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss the prospect in more detail.

📌 Senior to Principal Geotechnical Engineer (North Sydney)
🏢 MER Group
📍 North Sydney