Senior Backfill Engineer

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Job Description

As a Senior Backfill Engineer at WSP, you will play a critical role in supporting mining, infrastructure, and process engineering projects across South Africa and globally. This role involves conceptual to detailed engineering design, laboratory testing support, process development, and project management for backfill, tailings disposal, and mine infrastructure systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform conceptual, feasibility, and detailed engineering design work.
• Support the development of laboratory testing protocols.
• Assist in laboratory and process team R&D initiatives.
• Conduct fieldwork, data analysis, and engineering calculations.
• Develop, write, and review equipment specifications.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Write and review proposals, technical memoranda, and reports.
• Perform Project Management or Engineering Management duties as required.
• Conduct audits and troubleshooting of existing mine infrastructure systems.
• Provide on-site supervision during construction phases when required.
• Lead and drive plant commissioning activities.
• Ensure compliance with South African Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) regulations and WSP policies.
• Travel to project sites as required.

What We Offer:

• Competitive remuneration package aligned with industry standards.
• Comprehensive employee benefits, including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• Professional development opportunities through training, mentorship, and technical conferences.
• Opportunity to work on local and international mining projects.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment within a global consulting firm.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemical, Metallurgical, or Process Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in mining consulting or operations, with a strong background in backfill plants, tailings disposal systems, mine infrastructure, material handling, or comminution processes.
• Proven expertise in the design and operation of hydraulic fill, paste fill, and cemented rockfill plants.
• Experience in establishing laboratory testing protocols for paste backfill operations, thickening, filtration, rheology, and unconfined compressive strength testing.
• Ability to develop underground backfill distribution systems and slurry transport models.
• Valid driver’s license (South Africa) and willingness to travel.
• Professional Engineering registration with ECSA (or eligibility for registration).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and other relevant engineering software.
• Safety-focused mindset with a strong commitment to compliance and risk management.
• Excellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and teamwork capabilities.

Additional information

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.