What are the responsibilities and job description for the Geotechnical Engineer - Kennecott Copper position at Rio Tinto?
- Work at one of the world’s largest and most technically complex open pit mines, supporting safety‑critical geotechnical decisions
- Combine field‑based exposure with advanced slope monitoring, analysis, and technology
- Be part of a collaborative, experienced geotechnical team focused on learning, safety, and continuous improvement
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About The Role
We are looking for an Engineer, Geotechnical to support the operational geotechnical and slope monitoring requirements at Kennecott Copper open pit mine.
Reporting to the Geotechnical Superintendent, on an 8 days on / 6 days off roster, and working collaboratively with operational and functional teams, you will be responsible for
- Identifying, assessing, and clearly communicating geotechnical risks and hazards across the operation
- Conducting regular site inspections of pit slopes, dumps, stockpiles, and natural slope areas
- Analyzing and interpreting slope monitoring data from multiple sources, including ground‑based radar, InSAR, GNSS/prisms, subsurface instruments, and LiDAR/photogrammetry
- Preparing technical reports, presentations, and summaries of slope monitoring and geotechnical data
- Providing input into the development and implementation of Geotechnical Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs)
- Reviewing slope conformance and recommending ground control and rockfall mitigation measures
- Collaborating with drill and blast engineering teams to minimize wall damage in critical areas
- Supporting the implementation of mine plans and slope designs
- Working closely with mine planning, engineering, operations, and the Geotechnical Monitoring Center to support safe production outcomes
- A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Geology
- Minimum 2 years of relevant technical experience in an operating mine
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams
- Experience using geotechnical engineering software (e.g., Rocscience Suite Rocfall, Slide 2D/3D, RS2/RS3, Dips)
- Experience with mine planning and modeling tools such as MineSight, PointStudio, and/or Leapfrog
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to work safely in open pit environments
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
- Experience using and interpreting geotechnical monitoring data to make informed decisions regarding risk to large open pit mining operations
What We Offer
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
- Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
- Access to top‑tier family‑friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
- Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution;
- Generous 401k matching program.
- Attractive share ownership plan.
- Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
- A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.
Our Kennecott mine is a world‑class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http //www.ucis.gov/ for more information.