Chief Engineer, Rock Mechanics

About the role

First Quantum is seeking a senior leader to head the Rock Engineering function for its Trident mining operation. The Chief Engineer, Rock Mechanics will shape the geotechnical strategy, ensure safe and efficient extraction, and provide expert guidance on ground control across the mine.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Rock Engineering department, mentoring engineers and technicians.
• Develop and implement long‑term ground‑control strategies aligned with production and safety targets.
• Identify, assess and manage geotechnical hazards, designing appropriate control measures.
• Oversee installation, monitoring and analysis of geotechnical instrumentation such as stress meters, extensometers and micro‑seismic systems.
• Provide expert advice on stope layouts, excavation stability and seismicity.
• Prepare technical reports, stability analyses and ground‑control plans for mine leadership.
• Ensure compliance with local mining legislation, occupational health & safety regulations and international best practices.
• Drive innovation by introducing new technologies and continuous‑improvement initiatives in ground‑control practices.

Required profile

• BSc/BEng/BTech in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• MSc/MEng in Geotechnical, Rock or Geological Engineering is advantageous.
• Extensive experience in rock mechanics and ground‑control within underground mining environments.
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and managing large‑scale geotechnical projects.

Required skills

• Geotechnical instrumentation (stress meters, extensometers, micro‑seismic monitoring).
• Ground‑support design and implementation.
• Geotechnical data collection, reduction and analysis.
• Risk assessment and audit of geotechnical practices.
• Interpretation of geotechnical data for mine planning and scheduling.