Senior Engineer - Geotechnical (2 year fixed term contract)

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Senior Engineer Geotechnical is a two year fixed term contract at OceanaGold’s Waihi operation in New Zealand, offering an onsite residential role during the construction and early production phases of a major new underground mine near Waihi. The ideal candidate leads geotechnical design and monitoring, with at least five years underground experience, contractor management, and proficiency in SLIDE, UNWEDGE, SWEDGE, DIPS, RS2, MAP3D, FLAQ3D, and Abaqus. You will drive ground control plans, advanced monitoring, backfill strategies, and seismic protocols, mentor juniors, and champion innovative modelling to extend mine life and optimise ore recovery. Prepare a strong NZ visa supported application and demonstrate stakeholder communication and safety leadership.

Company Description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience.  We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~5,400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value.  We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE: OGC).

Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground gold mine. A recent consent for the Waihi North Project, a new mine to be developed 6km north of the existing operation has provided a long-term extension of mine life providing our 400 staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for the long-term.

Job Description

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 in construction phase, with the portal being cut earlier this year.

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.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Geomechanics, Geotechnical / Mining Engineering or Geology
• Full and current driver licence; manual vehicle capability preferred.                
• Minimum 5 years’ underground geotechnical experience.
• Contractor management experience.
• Proven team leadership and advanced proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., SLIDE, UNWEDGE, SWEDGE, DIPS, RS2, MAP3D, FLAQ3D, Abaqus).

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Waihi, NZ
• Competitive salary
• Living Our Values recognition program
• 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 18 August 2026. 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