Senior Engineer - Geotechnical

This is a rare opportunity to join a multi-billion dollar, new gold mine project situated in a stunning location near Waihi, New Zealand. Situated just 6km north of our existing minesite, we have identified a high grade ore body and are currently going through a fast track consenting process. 

This role provides expert geotechnical engineering leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of the new mine. You will give geotechnical input for early tunnelling works, conducting rigorous stability analysis and ground support design,  overseeing the transition to production and stoping phases, with robust risk management, monitoring, and ground control systems.

A key focus will be to champion innovation in geotechnical modelling, monitoring, and design to optimise ore recovery, minimise dilution, and extend mine life, while serving as the principal technical authority on geotechnical risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement throughout the entire mine lifecycle.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead geotechnical contributions to mine design and early-stage tunnelling, ensuring stability and effective risk mitigation throughout development.
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing enhancement of ground control management plans, ensuring prompt action on identified issues.
• Establish and maintain advanced ground and slope monitoring systems, ensuring accurate data interpretation and timely reporting.
• Develop and document integrated geotechnical models encompassing structural, geomechanical, lithological, and rock mass properties relevant to underground operations.
• Ensure all geotechnical analyses and designs comply with industry best practices.
• Conduct regular inspections and manage fill placement in historic workings to uphold safety standards.
• Integrate geotechnical models across the mine lifecycle, incorporating production stoping geometries, sequencing, and long-term pillar and stope stability.
• Optimise stope design to minimise dilution and maximise ore recovery through geotechnical input.
• Oversee the design and implementation of backfill strategies (e.g., cemented rock fill, paste fill) to ensure long-term stability and continuity of production.
• Develop and implement seismic monitoring protocols, hazard assessments, and response plans during production.
• Champion the adoption of advanced instrumentation (such as microseismic arrays, LiDAR scanning, and fibre optic monitoring) to enhance ground control.
• Mentor junior engineers in tunnelling and stoping geotechnics, ensuring succession planning for production preparedness.

• Tertiary qualification in Geomechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or Geology.
• Full and current driver licence; manual vehicle capability preferred.                
• Minimum 10 years’ geotechnical experience.
• Proven team leadership and advanced proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., SLIDE, UNWEDGE, SWEDGE, DIPS, RS2, MAP3D, FLAQ3D, Abaqus).

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Waihi, NZ
• Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare and Life Insurance
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recoginition program
• Free transport to work
• Study assistance
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected
   

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]
 

**Applications close 8 December 2025. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Please note that a valid New Zealand working Visa will be required for this position. 

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED