Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Rock Mechanics

SLR Consulting have a fantastic opportunity for a highly experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer, specialising in rock mechanics, to lead technical geotechnical and rock engineering projects for mining and related industries.

The successful candidate will combine technical expertise in rock mass characterisation, slope and/or underground stability, and ground control management with strong project management and client-facing skills. This role presents the chance to demonstrate robust technical leadership and operational excellence in an ambitious and growing organisation.

About Us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days’ annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

The role

We are looking for a driven and experienced Engineer to provide exceptional leadership to junior colleagues, manage complex multi-disciplinary projects and manage relationships with current and prospective clients.

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead the geotechnical investigation, rock mass characterisation, and stability assessment for open pit and underground mining projects
  • Develop and implement Ground Control Management Plans (GCMP)
  • Knowledge of geotechnical analyses, including empirical, analytical, and numerical modelling (2D/3D, e.g., Rocscience, Itasca codes)
    • You do not need to be a "modeller", but knowledge of the inputs/outputs for modelling is required

• Project Management
  • Manage multi-disciplinary geotechnical projects from scoping through to feasibility, as well as operational support
  • Oversee the geotechnical / rock mechanics aspects of due diligence reviews, audits, and technical reporting for investment, M&A, and compliance (e.g., SK-1300, NI 43-101, JORC)
  • Coordinate and mentor technical teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables and knowledge transfer

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients
  • Present findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Support business development by contributing to proposals and technical marketing

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive innovation in geotechnical / rock mechanics data capture, analysis, and monitoring techniques
  • Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and back-analysis of geotechnical failures
  • Contribute to industry best practice and thought leadership through publications and technical presentations

About you

We are looking for a Chartered Engineer or Chartered Geologist with extensive post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics, as well as:

• Proven track record in mining geotechnics, including stability, ground control, and mine design

• Expertise in rock mass and structural characterisation, geotechnical data analysis, and failure back-analysis

• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., Rocscience, Itasca codes)

• Experience managing geotechnical investigations, monitoring systems, and technical reporting for a wide range of commodities and ground conditions
• Commitment to mentoring junior staff and fostering a culture of technical excellence

• Strong project management skills, including study management, budgeting, and team leadership

• Excellent communication and client-facing skills

• Willingness to travel internationally to project sites, as required

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently underrepresented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.