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Tailings Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Principal Tailings Engineer, EOR

Denver, CO · On-site

$172.80 - $211.20/hr

This individual will be Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings storage facilities. Our ideal candidate enjoys technical work and the challenge of growing the business. Will support the West US and ...

This individual will be Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings storage facilities. Our ideal candidate enjoys technical work and the challenge of growing the business. Will support the West US and ...

This individual will be Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings storage facilities. Our ideal candidate enjoys technical work and the challenge of growing the business. Will support the West US and ...

Sr Geotechnical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

This position offers a clear pathway to serve as Deputy Engineer of Record (DEoR) or Engineer of Record (EoR) for active or inactive tailings facilities, with strong institutional support and ...

Your primary focus will be on tailings storage facilities, heap leach facilities, and waste rock ... This position is well- suited for an engineer who enjoys hands- on technical work while steadily ...

Serve as a technical lead in engagements with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs ... Serve as Deputy Engineer of Record (DEoR) or Engineer of Record (EoR) for active or inactive ...

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Tailings Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$34.7K

$93.8K

$149.3K

How much do tailings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tailings engineer in Colorado is $93,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $114,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tailings engineer?

A Tailings Engineer is responsible for the design, management, and monitoring of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. They assess geotechnical stability, water balance, and potential environmental impacts while working closely with mine operations, geologists, and environmental teams. Their role includes developing tailings management plans, conducting risk assessments, and implementing best practices for sustainable waste disposal.

What are some common challenges faced by tailings engineers in their day-to-day work?

Tailings Engineers frequently deal with the complexities of designing and maintaining safe tailings storage facilities while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental and safety regulations. They often need to address unexpected issues such as changes in weather, geotechnical instability, or rapid operational expansions, requiring quick problem-solving and adaptive thinking. Coordinating with mining operations, environmental specialists, and regulators adds another layer of complexity to project management. Despite these challenges, the role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental stewardship and workplace safety in the mining industry.

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

To thrive as a Tailings Engineer, you need a strong background in civil, geotechnical, or mining engineering, typically with a relevant degree and experience in mine waste management. Familiarity with engineering design software (such as AutoCAD, GeoStudio, or FLAC), knowledge of regulatory guidelines, and, in some regions, professional engineering certification are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and effective communication skills are essential for overseeing projects and engaging with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, environmentally responsible management of tailings facilities and regulatory compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tailings Engineer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Tailings Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What job categories do people searching Tailings Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Tailings Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Tailings Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,778 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Principal Tailings Engineer, EOR

WSP

Denver, CO • On-site

$172.80 - $211.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP has a career opportunity for a Principal Tailings Engineer, EOR with our Mine Waste Team for our Lakewood, CO office. The following locations will also be considered: Tucson, AZ and Reno, NV. This individual will provide geotechnical engineering services and manage projects related to mining and civil/geotechnical projects in the U.S. and internationally. This individual will be Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings storage facilities. Our ideal candidate enjoys technical work and the challenge of growing the business. Will support the West US and Latin America regions. Depending on candidate location preference, this individual can be located anywhere in the US. Will travel occasionally.

Are you looking for an opportunity to work with an established engineering consulting firm that values its employee’s enthusiasm and technical contributions? We encourage you to apply for this opportunity. We are dedicated to providing the atmosphere to allow individuals to grow their career. We offer a varied and interesting diversity of clients and projects. We would love you to join our team of friendly, hard-working, dedicated and collaborative professionals. Our ideal candidate is seeking challenging work and is committed to quality.

Your Impact
  • Will provide civil/geotechnical engineering and project management and be responsible for delivering geotechnical and geologic projects to WSP’s mining clients
  • Plan, supervise and lead civil/geotechnical investigations and design activities
  • Project management including scope, budget, schedule, and resource management
  • Managing and coordinating project teams, including ensuring the technical quality of deliverables
  • Perform and review geotechnical engineering analyses
  • Write technical reports and proposals
  • Recognize and initiate business development opportunities
  • Lead and/or assist with the coordination, development and production of proposals, SOQs and presentations
  • Will travel to project sites in the US and internationally - Approximately 15% overnight travel
Who You Are Required Qualifications
  • BS and MS in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering
  • Currently registered or immediately eligible for registration as a PE
  • 12 years + experience in geotechnical engineering, preferably with mining projects
  • Strong academic background and solid understanding of soil mechanics
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Tailings Storage Facility and Heap Leach Facility design
  • Foundations
  • Earth dams and levees
  • Experience (or willing to take on this role) as EOR for tailings storage facilities is required for this position
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships
  • Motivated to develop business from new and existing clients
  • Demonstrated Project Management skills including scheduling and budgeting and the ability to lead, train and mentor junior staff
  • Demonstrated technical excellence in geotechnical engineering
  • Very good understanding of drilling methods, field investigations, and laboratory testing procedures
  • Excellent communication, leadership, mentoring, writing, interpersonal and presentation skills
  • Superior time management, planning and ability to interact with clients
  • Ability and willingness to travel to project sites in the US and internationally Approximately 15% overnight travel
  • Must pass background check and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company's driving (MVR) policy
WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $172,800 - $211,200

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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