Capstone Copper is seeking a Sr. Tailings Engineer to govern and assure the performance of tailings storage facilities at Pinto Valley Mine. This onsite role, based in Miami, AZ, provides technical leadership on tailings deposition, monitoring systems, QA/QC, and stability, collaborating with the Engineer of Record, Water Management, and regulatory interfaces.
Position Overview
The Senior Tailings Engineer supports governance, planning, and performance assurance for the Pinto Valley Mine tailings storage facilities. The role delivers technical expertise in tailings deposition, monitoring systems, QA/QC programs, facility performance, and construction practices, ensuring alignment with design intent, Engineer of Record requirements, and the site Tailings Management System. It may also involve water-related considerations tied to tailings performance, in coordination with the Water Management team.
Responsibilities
- Support the implementation and ongoing improvement of the Tailings Management System (TMS), aligning with GISTM, regulatory requirements, and company standards.
- Assist in developing short- and long-term tailings deposition strategies and pond management plans in collaboration with the Superintendent, Engineer of Record (EOR), and Water Management team.
- Monitor and interpret instrumentation and operations data to evaluate TSF performance against design assumptions and deposition plans; identify deviations and support corrective actions.
- Develop and oversee QA/QC processes to ensure deposition and construction activities follow engineering design, including field practice verification and construction quality control.
- Support slope stability assessments and embankment performance evaluations through review of geotechnical data, modeling inputs, and EOR recommendations.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of monitoring systems, including instrumentation planning and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARP).
- Provide technical review of TSF related work and coordinate with EOR, ITRB, and regulatory agencies; participate in inspections, audits, and reviews.
- Assist with regulatory and corporate reporting (GISTM, ICMM, CDA), track compliance status, and implement recommendations from inspections and audits.
- Support Management of Change (MOC) processes for modifications to design, deposition plans, or operating conditions.
- Assist in creating short- and long-term forecasts and Opex/Capex planning for tailings-related projects.
- Mentor junior engineers and support training of operations personnel on TSF performance, monitoring systems, and stability concepts.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in systems, processes, and performance of tailings facilities.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of tailings storage facility design, deposition practices, and performance monitoring.
- Working knowledge of water balance as it relates to tailings performance including reclaim and pond management.
- Knowledge of tailings facility construction methods, including earthworks and embankment raises.
- Understanding of how construction quality and QA/QC impact TSF performance and stability.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in tailings engineering, design, or operational support.
- Experience supporting or contributing to the construction of TSFs, embankments, or mining infrastructure.
- Experience with QA/QC processes and field verification practices.
- Experience with slope stability or geotechnical analysis related to tailings facilities.
- Familiarity with geotechnical modeling tools (e.g., GeoStudio, Slide) preferred.
- Ability to work independently and in small multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated leadership and self-motivation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Solid time management abilities.
- Intermediate to proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, CAD 3D, and Microsoft Outlook.
- SAP experience, including familiarity with the SAP planning module; Asset Management a plus.
- Valid Arizona Driver's License.
- Ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write English.
Technologies
- GeoStudio
- Slide
- SAP planning module
- SAP Asset Management
- Microsoft Office
- CAD 3D
- Microsoft Outlook
Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan – Eligible from day one, with a company match up to 6% and employee contributions up to 30%, fully vested immediately.
- Retirement Boost – Company contributions of 8.5% of salary, increasing to 14.2% after reaching the Social Security wage base, with immediate vesting.
- Employee Share Purchase Plan – After three months, 2% to 7% of salary contributed to buy company shares, with 50% company match and full vesting at grant.
- Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus – Up to 15% of salary.
- 4-day, 10-hour work schedule (shifts may vary).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with Telehealth and supplemental insurances.
- Disability and Life Insurance effective on start date.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Program and tuition reimbursement.
- Internal progression opportunities and discounted insurance plans for pets, autos, and homes.
Work Environment
The role emphasizes planning, strategy, and scheduling, with about 90 percent of time spent on these activities and roughly 10 percent in the field.
