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Tailings Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

You will work with a dynamic team of cost estimators, schedulers, and construction engineers in ... tailings facilities, water management systems, site infrastructure, utilities, material handling ...

S. and internationally, with a primary focus on tailings storage facilities, heap leach facilities ... As an Engineer- in- Training, you will develop practical skills through participation in field ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

South Jordan, UT · On-site

$104K - $126K/yr

Experience with slurry pipelines, tailings systems, concentrate lines, and mine infrastructure ... Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and stamp is required in at least one state in USA with ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

South Jordan, UT · On-site +1

$104K - $126K/yr

Experience with slurry pipelines, tailings systems, concentrate lines, and mine infrastructure ... Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and stamp is required in at least one state in USA with ...

You will work with a dynamic team of cost estimators, schedulers, and construction engineers in ... tailings facilities, water management systems, site infrastructure, utilities, material handling ...

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Tailings Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$30K

$81.2K

$129.3K

How much do tailings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tailings engineer in Utah is $81,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $99,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Tailings Engineer jobs in Utah look for?

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

Infographic showing various Tailings Engineer job openings in Utah 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 $81,190 per year, or $39 per hour.

Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams

BBA, Inc.

Salt Lake City, UT

$99K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Your future role at BBA

BBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead - Hydrology,Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership forwater management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. Thisrole is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams andtailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, andregulatory compliance are critical.
You will act as a senior technical advisor and damsafety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, andoperation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversionstructures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advancedtechnical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and clientengagement.

With us, you'll get the opportunity to

TechnicalLeadership & Dam Safety Authority

  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects
  • Act as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructure
  • Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including:
    • Catchment and watershed analyses
    • Extreme flood estimation and design floods
    • Hydroclimatic and statistical analyses
    • Climate change impact and adaptation assessments
  • Lead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including:
    • Spillway and outlet works capacity
    • Flood routing and reservoir routing
    • Freeboard assessments
    • Emergency spillway performance
  • Perform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systems

Tailings & Mine Water Management

  • Lead the development of integrated mine water management strategies, including water balances, operational water routing, and contingency planning.
  • Develop and review water and mass balance models for tailings storage facilities and mine operations.
  • Support tailings governance frameworks, including design basis, operating criteria, and performance monitoring.
  • Contribute to closure and long-term water management strategies for tailings and mine facilities.

Dam Safety, Risk & RegulatoryCompliance

  • Lead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including:
    • Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs)
    • Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs)
    • Consequence classification and hazard assessments
    • Failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA)
  • Support emergency preparedness and response planning, including dam break analysis and inundation mapping and emergency action plans (EAPs)
  • Prepare and review dam safety documentation in support of regulatory submissions and audits
  • Ensure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practices

Leadership, Mentorship & Client Engagement

  • Serve as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionals
  • Support proposals, scopes, and technical approaches for dam and tailings projects
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authorities
  • Promote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governance

Do your qualities and values matchour corporate culture?

  • Strong ethical standards and commitment to public and environmental safety
  • Deep interest in complex, high-consequence engineering challenges
  • Results-driven with sound engineering judgment
  • Collaborative leadership and knowledge-sharing mindset
  • Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices

Summary of certifications and jobrequirements

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent
  • Master's degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong asset
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States
  • 20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projects
  • Demonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk management
  • Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Asset: Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes
  • Asset:  Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping
  • Asset:  Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems
  • Asset:  Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)
  • Asset:  Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design