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Senior Tailings Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teck

The role will work with the Senior Closure Lead, Biodiversity Lead, and other internal and external ... the Principal Engineer, Tailings & Environment and Senior Lead, Closure, and identified ...

WSP

Senior Lead Civil/Geotechnical Engineer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$115 - $175/hr

This individual may be Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings storage facilities. Our ideal ... senior review and oversight. * Providing or contributing to client relationship and business ...

Equilibrium

Principal, Mine Waste

What We're Looking For: * 20+ years of progressively senior experience in mining, geotechnical engineering, tailings engineering, mine waste engineering, mining consulting, dam safety, or engineering ...

Stantec

Sr Geotechnical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

We are seeking a Senior-Level Civil or Geotechnical Engineer to join our U.S. Energy and Resources ... Serve as a technical lead in engagements with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs ...

Equilibrium

Principal, Mine Waste

Portland, OR · Remote

What We're Looking For: * 20+ years of progressively senior experience in mining, geotechnical engineering, tailings engineering, mine waste engineering, mining consulting, dam safety, or engineering ...

Equilibrium

Technical Lead, Tailings & Mine Waste

Technical Lead Tailings & Mine Waste Senior Geotechnical Engineer We are seeking an accomplished Senior Level Geotechnical Engineer / Geotechnical professional to join our growing Mine Waste team

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Senior Tailings Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior tailings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior tailings engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior tailings engineer do?

A Senior Tailings Engineer is responsible for the design, management, and oversight of tailings storage facilities, which are used to safely contain mining byproducts. They ensure that these facilities comply with safety and environmental regulations, assess risks, and develop monitoring systems to prevent failures. Senior Tailings Engineers also lead teams, supervise construction and maintenance activities, and work closely with other engineers, environmental specialists, and regulatory bodies to ensure the responsible management of tailings. Their expertise is critical to minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the long-term safety of mining operations.

What are some common challenges faced by senior tailings engineers, and how can they be addressed in day-to-day work?

Senior Tailings Engineers often navigate complex challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, managing evolving environmental standards, and designing safe, cost-effective tailings storage solutions. They must balance operational efficiency with long-term sustainability, often working closely with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical engineers, environmental scientists, and site managers. Proactive communication, staying updated on industry best practices, and continuous risk assessment are key strategies to effectively address these challenges. Emphasizing collaboration and ongoing professional development also helps Senior Tailings Engineers adapt to changing project demands and regulatory landscapes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior tailings engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Tailings Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or geotechnical engineering, extensive experience with tailings management, and relevant engineering licensure. Familiarity with design software (such as AutoCAD or GeoStudio), tailings management systems, and regulatory compliance frameworks is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of tailings facilities, which is critical for operational success and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Senior Tailings Engineer vs Tailings Engineer?

AspectSenior Tailings EngineerTailings Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in mining, geology, or civil engineering; 5+ years experience; professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in related field; 1-3 years experience; licensure may be optional
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and review tailings storage facilities; lead projects; coordinate with multidisciplinary teamsAssist in design and monitoring of tailings facilities; support senior staff; perform site inspections
Industry UsageCommonly employed in mining companies, consulting firms, and environmental agenciesTypically found in mining operations and engineering consulting firms

The main difference between a Senior Tailings Engineer and a Tailings Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Tailings Engineers have more advanced credentials, oversee complex projects, and lead teams, while Tailings Engineers support these activities with less experience. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and compliant tailings management in the mining industry.

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Senior Tailings Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Tailings Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

2.1. Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgist

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings 

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company-producing the resources required to power the technology of today and tomorrow. 

Why Phoenix Tailings 

At Phoenix, we're building more than technology-we're building the future supply chain for critical and rare earth metals. This work matters. It demands urgency, rigor, and creativity. You'll join a team that values ownership, technical excellence, and the courage to challenge legacy approaches to mining and metals production. 

Our Values:  

You are only crazy if you are wrong, it's ok to be wrong
Lead with Compassion
Be Resourceful
Listen
Hustle

Who We Are Looking For: 

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Senior Process Engineer- Hydrometallurgist to lead hands-on process development, optimization, and scale-up of hydrometallurgical systems for critical and rare earth metals production. This role is ideal for someone with deep technical experience in wet chemistry, aqueous processing, leaching, precipitation, separation, purification, and pilot-scale development who wants to build real-world industrial processes, not just model them. 

This position will play a key role in translating laboratory results into scalable process designs that support Phoenix Tailings' transition from R&D to commercial deployment. You will work closely with R&D, engineering, and pilot operations teams to design experiments, troubleshoot complex process challenges, develop operating parameters, and guide junior engineers and scientists. 

 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, execution, and analysis of hydrometallurgical experiments involving leaching, purification, precipitation, precipitation, solid-liquid separation, solvent extraction, and related critical metals processes 
  • Develop and optimize process conditions for laboratory, bench-scale, and pilot-scale hydrometallurgical systems 
  • Translate experimental results into process flow diagrams, mass balances, operating windows, equipment specifications, and scale-up recommendations  
  • Provide technical leadership for wet chemistry work, including solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, pH control, filtration, precipitation, reagent selection, and process troubleshooting 
  • Support equipment sizing and selection for reactors, filtration systems, thickeners, mixer-settlers, tanks, pumps, and other hydrometallurgical process equipment 
  • Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting for process performance issues, including recovery losses, impurity behavior, phase separation challenges, and process instability  
  • Collaborate with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to develop pilot-scale test plans, operating procedures, and process control strategies  
  • Mentor junior engineers, scientists, and technicians in experimental design, lab execution, safety practices, data interpretation, and technical documentation  
  • Maintain clear technical records and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal design reviews and leadership discussions  
  • Support the scale-up of Phoenix Tailings' critical metals production processes from R&D through commercial deployment  
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline  
  • 5+ years of experience in hydrometallurgy, wet chemistry, chemical process development, mineral processing, metals refining, or related chemically intensive systems  
  • Strong hands-on experience with hydrometallurgical unit operations, including leaching, precipitation, filtration, solid-liquid separation, solvent extraction, purification, and crystallization  
  • Demonstrated experience translating laboratory or bench-scale data into pilot-scale or commercial process development decisions  
  • Strong understanding of aqueous chemistry, solution speciation, acid-base chemistry, impurity control, reagent behavior, and process optimization  
  • Experience developing mass balances, process flow diagrams, experimental plans, technical reports, and operating procedures  
  • Experience mentoring junior technical team members or leading technical workstreams in a laboratory, pilot, or industrial environment  
 
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $120,000- $160,000 total cash compensation plus equity

  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  
 
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline). 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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