Senior Underground Geotechnical Engineer

Round Mountain is an open-pit mine located in Nevada, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. The mine uses conventional open-pit mining methods and processes ore by mill and heap leach. Kinross began operating the mine in 2003, and it has since become a continuous improvement leader in the Company’s portfolio. Round Mountain poured its 15 millionth ounce in 2018. Round Mountain and the nearby Bald Mountain mine make up Kinross’ Nevada operations.

The Round Mountain mine is an important contributor to the Nye County economy and, working with local stakeholders, has helped achieve significant improvements in healthcare and education in the area.

Job Description

Kinross Round Mountain is a leading mining company dedicated to sustainable and safe mining practices. We are committed to innovation and excellence in all our operations. Join our team to contribute to challenging and rewarding projects in a dynamic and supportive environment. Round Mountain is renowned as one of the most geotechnically challenging mines in Nevada.

The successful candidate for the Senior UG Geotechnical Engineer will lead the geotechnical functions for the Underground Mine at Round Mountain Gold Mine. Reporting to the UG Technical Services Manager, this position will provide all aspects of geotechnical engineering support for mine planning, operations, and contractors to ensure the mine operates effectively and safely. The underground is currently in its early development stages transitioning from exploration development to capital development. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual to build the foundation for the underground geotechnical group, standards, and procedures that will be used for the life of mine.

Job Responsibilities

- Ground Support Design:

Lead ground control planning and design for underground excavations, including selection and optimization of rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete, cable bolts, and other support systems suitable for complex ground conditions.

- Rock Mass Characterization:

Conduct and oversee geotechnical logging, rock mass classification (e.g., RMR, Q-system), and structural mapping for various mining zones and development headings.

- Numerical & Analytical Modeling:

Perform stability and stress analysis using advanced geotechnical software (e.g., RS2, FLAC3D, UnWedge, UDEC/3DEC) to support stope design, backfill performance, pillar stability, and sequencing.

- Instrumentation & Monitoring:

Implement and manage underground monitoring systems including extensometers, convergence monitoring, stress cells, and microseismic arrays. Analyze data to track ground performance and inform mine planning.

- Geotechnical Risk Management:

Identify geotechnical hazards such as rockburst, seismicity, fault reactivation, and ground squeezing; develop and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with the operations team.

- Integrated Planning Support:

Collaborate closely with mine engineers, geology, and operations to provide geotechnical input into stope designs, development layouts, extraction sequencing, and backfill strategies.

- Project Management:

Manage scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for geotechnical components of capital and operational projects.

- Regulatory & Compliance Support:

Prepare documentation in support of MSHA-compliant ground control plans, permitting, and internal audits.

- Mentorship & Team Leadership:

Provide mentorship and technical support to junior engineers and technicians; participate in internal knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Underground Field Work

This position works approximately 30% of the time in the underground. Underground work includes field observations on foot, driving underground, engaging with and collecting information from employees in the field, and providing education to employees.

- Surface and/or office work

This position works approximately 70% in an office setting on the surface. The majority of the office duties include performing essential functions on a computer screen, and attending or facilitating meetings.

Education and Experience

- Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, mining or civil engineering or equivalent.

- Geotechnical Experience: Underground 5+ Years.

- Familiarity with U.S. mining regulations and MSHA ground control standards.

- Proficiency in rock mechanics design, numerical modeling, and ground monitoring techniques.

- Strong field presence and practical problem-solving skills.

- Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.

- Ability to work independently and as a member of the Technical Services team.

- Demonstrate strong administrative, organizational and technical writing skills.

- Requires a valid driver’s license.

- Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with instrumentation data systems (e.g., GroundProbe, IDS, Vibrating Wire sensors).

- Strong understanding of common U.S. mining methods (e.g., cut & fill, room & pillar, sublevel stoping, block caving).

- Experience with backfill systems (pastefill, cemented rockfill) and their interaction with excavation stability.

- Working knowledge of Vulcan or Deswik preferable and Rocscience and Map3D software desirable.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Underground Technical Services Manager.

Legislative Requirements

Background Check required

US work permit required

Language Requirements

English

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).