Geotechnical Engineer

ASARCO Ray Mine is seeking an enthusiastic Geotechnical Engineer – Slope Stability, to be part of a dedicated team focused on supporting safe, reliable copper production at a world‑class porphyry deposit. The Geotechnical Engineer plays a critical role in enabling safe and efficient ore extraction by providing continuous highwall monitoring (e.g., radar, prisms, piezometers), rockfall hazard assessment and control, and practical slope design input at an autonomous‑haulage, high‑tonnage open‑pit copper mine processing both sulfide and oxide ores. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, this position ensures operating decisions are informed by real‑time monitoring data, geotechnical models, and field validation, and that TARPs, stand‑offs, and depressurization strategies are implemented and aligned with mine plans. The Geotechnical Engineer is instrumental in linking and integrating geotechnics with operations, mine planning, dewatering, and tailings - conducting routine TSF inspections and communicating clear, actionable geotechnical guidance - to drive site‑wide risk reduction and value generation.

Responsibilities:

- Deployment, QA/QC, and oversight of slope‑monitoring systems (prisms/total stations, slope radar, LiDAR/UAV photogrammetry, vibrating‑wire piezometers, automated TDR, extensometers) and interpretation of monitoring data.

- Establishment and maintenance of trigger levels and a Trigger‑Action‑Response Plan (TARP); provide on‑call geotechnical support and direct operating controls (stand‑offs, barricades, traffic re‑routes) during movement events.

- Rockfall and bench‑scale stability analyses (kinematic, limit‑equilibrium, and discontinuum as needed); design of catch berms, and attenuator systems; stewardship of the Rockfall Management Plan.

- Reporting and interpretation of geotechnical data and field observations; maintain a single source of truth in the site geotechnical database; produce concise daily/weekly/monthly and event reports.

- Assist with and/or oversee the geotechnical design of pit slopes, pushbacks, and geotechnical projects; integrate recommendations with short‑ and medium‑term mine plans.

- Collaborate with dewatering/hydrogeology on pore‑pressure management; plan, track, and interpret VWP and pumping data for depressurization.

- Conduct routine TSF inspections and data validation in coordination with the Engineer of Record/RPTE; support compliance with GISTM guidance and dam safety reviews.

- Scope, budget, and supervise geotechnical drilling, logging/sampling, laboratory testing, instrumentation installation, and ground‑support trials; manage contractors and service agreements for monitoring systems.

- Maintain and archive project records, drawings, and change‑management documentation.

Recommend operating and capital budgets; track spend and asset condition.

- Provide training and mentoring to operators and junior engineers; deliver toolbox talks and participate in continuous improvement and technology trials.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

- Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related.

- 3+ years experience in a site-based experience in an open pit geotechnical role.

- Proficiency with geotechnical analysis and data tools (e.g., Rocscience suite—Dips, RocPlane, Slide/RS2/RS3; FLAC or GeoStudio Slope/W & SEEP/W; ArcGIS/QGIS; monitoring platforms such GeoMosS, Guardian, MonitorIQ.

- Excellent safety record with demonstrated safety leadership and knowledge of MSHA/OSHA requirements.

- Team leadership, problem solving, and excellent verbal and written communication skills required; ability to translate complex data into clear operating guidance.

- Ability to work outside in varied weather conditions for extended periods; valid driver's license; ability to participate in an on‑call rotation.

- Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of this job is required.

The Ray mine is located 64 miles southeast of Phoenix and 70 miles northeast of Tucson. We have a robust carpool / vanpool program and encourage employees to participate. Employees save more than 50% of their commuting costs while reading, sleeping or just enjoying the view.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.

ASARCO offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related.

- 3+ years experience in a site-based experience in an open pit geotechnical role.

- Proficiency with geotechnical analysis and data tools (e.g., Rocscience suite—Dips, RocPlane, Slide/RS2/RS3; FLAC or GeoStudio Slope/W & SEEP/W; ArcGIS/QGIS; monitoring platforms such GeoMosS, Guardian, MonitorIQ.

- Excellent safety record with demonstrated safety leadership and knowledge of MSHA/OSHA requirements.

- Team leadership, problem solving, and excellent verbal and written communication skills required; ability to translate complex data into clear operating guidance.

- Ability to work outside in varied weather conditions for extended periods; valid driver's license; ability to participate in an on‑call rotation.

- Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of this job is required.

The Ray mine is located 64 miles southeast of Phoenix and 70 miles northeast of Tucson. We have a robust carpool / vanpool program and encourage employees to participate. Employees save more than 50% of their commuting costs while reading, sleeping or just enjoying the view.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.

ASARCO offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.