Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About
Blackwater Mine:

Blackwater Mine is a high performing operation in Queensland's Bowen Basin, producing metallurgical coal for global export. The mine located to the south of Blackwater township in Central Qld is an open cut metallurgical coal mine with significant coal resource and more than 20 years of mineable reserve. Since beginning in 1967 the mine has grown to become one of the largest coal mines in the Bowen Basin, and with a strike length of 80 km is well established as one of the largest dragline strip mines in the world.

What truly sets Blackwater apart is its people. We're proud to foster a supportive, collaborative culture that values everyone's contributions, encourages personal growth, and focuses on safety. At Blackwater Mine, our team doesn't just work together, they build each other up, creating an environment where skills, ideas, and passion for the work we do thrives.

About The Role:

We're seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join the Blackwater Technical Services team and play a key role in supporting all geotechnical support to site operations. In this site-based role, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality technical support, engaging with key stakeholders, and contributing to site outcomes that ensure compliance while driving safety, productivity, and commercial performance.

Provide geotechnical support to mine sites (operating, closed and/or on care and maintenance) and QLD statutory role/compliance to enable the achievement of safe and economic coal extraction.

This position operates on an 
8 days on / 6 days off
 dayshift roster.

What You'll Do:

• Lead site function to identify geotechnical risk and management in mine design and execution.
• Maintain and update Ground Control / Slope Stability Management Plan to comply with WHC QLD requirements
• Conduct formal investigations into geotechnical failures and participate in all relevant reviews.
• Perform regular Ground Investigation Risk Assessments and feed into exploration planning to enable geotechnical data acquisition for designs.
• Deliver geotechnical stability assessments and designs (e.g. Geotechnical Pit Layouts) and parameters to enable mine planning and designs aligned with safety, efficiency and site value.
• Collaborate with Planning and Operational teams to manage geotechnical hazards and incidents.
• Support geotechnical audits and critical control verifications.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date geotechnical documentation and reporting tools.
• Monitor active mining areas and issue hazard reports.
• Mentor and supervise graduate geotechnical engineers.
• Drive continuous improvement in geotechnical practices and outcomes.
• Continuously develop technical expertise and stay abreast of industry advancements.

What You'll Bring:

• A degree qualifying for RPEQ registration in Mining Geotechnical Engineering i.e. Geological Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, or Geology with a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of operational mining experience, including large-scale instability hazard management. Preferably having at least 4 years of experience in geotechnical analysis and risk assessment, including slope design in various materials.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software: Rocscience, Maptek Vulcan, and Ground Monitoring Systems.
• Strong understanding of site value drivers and ability to balance profitability with safety and compliance.
• Open-minded approach to innovation and continuous improvement in geotechnical practices.

Whitehaven Coal
is committed to increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace. We strive for an inclusive workplace that engages people from diverse backgrounds and welcomes diversity of gender, culture and experience.

Whitehaven Coal
is working with the RSL Employment Program to support veterans and partners of current or former Defence members in finding meaningful and sustainable employment. If you would like assistance with your application, you can reach out to the program via the following link: 

Whitehaven Coal is an endorsed Circle Back Initiative Employer.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in Australia.

Why Whitehaven Coal?

• FIFO from Brisbane plus DIDO and local residential options available
• 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive salary packages with salary sacrificing options (local living & novated leases)
• Employee Referral Scheme - $4,000 for Successful Referrals
• Employee discounts: groceries, petrol, fashion, entertainment plus more
• Career development, mentorship and coaching.