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About The Role

We are looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to provide support for slope design and geotechnical risk management for Rio Tinto’s surface copper mine operations and projects. In this role you will be regarded as a subject‑matter expert across the full mining life cycle for both open‑pit and heap‑leach operations.

Responsibilities

- Provide technical support and advice to operations, projects and studies in areas such as slope design, operational slope‑management processes, and identification of potential risks that may lead to catastrophic or reputational incidents.
- Support site geotechnical teams and projects with their Line 1 assurance processes, ensuring focus on key risk areas.
- Act as a geotechnical SME supporting business development and evaluation of merger and acquisition opportunities, including the Nuton heap‑leach technology.
- Develop innovative solutions through collaboration with external practitioners, consultants and research institutions.
- Co‑train and mentor junior engineers across Rio Tinto’s surface mining portfolio.
- Contribute to the development of best‑practice standards and guidelines in geotechnical engineering.

About You

- Commitment to safety for yourself, your team and the operations you support.
- Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 10–15 years of geotechnical experience in large open pits.
- Strong experience with slope investigation, characterisation, design, and ability to define scopes of work and geotechnical requirements for all study levels.
- Experience in advanced stability modelling, including numerical models and appropriate pore‑pressure inclusion.
- Strong site‑based geotechnical operations and hazard‑management experience.
- Professional working proficiency in English with strong written (technical reports, memos) and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary and diverse teams and communicate effectively at all organisational levels.




- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

- Multi‑site experience across both geotechnical operations and slope design roles.
- Familiarity and credibility with geotechnical review boards.

What We Offer

- A work environment where safety is the top priority.
- A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards for eligible employees.
- Career development and education assistance.
- Access to top‑tier family‑friendly health and medical programmes.
- Well‑being benefits.
- Generous employee share programme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Ongoing individual well‑being support for you and your family.
- Leave for all life reasons (vacation, paid parental leave, sick leave).

Where you will be working

The Rio Tinto Copper Technical group covers operations and projects in the U.S. (Kennecott Utah Copper, RTKC and the Resolution Copper project), Mongolia (Oyu Tolgoi) and Western Australia (Winu Cu‑Au project). The portfolio also supports interests in a non‑managed joint venture in Chile (Escondida) and the U.S. (Johnson Camp mine leach operation), as well as exploration, evaluation and other minor investments.

The role primarily supports operations, studies and growth opportunities in North and South America, with periodic travel expected. Occasional travel outside the Americas is also likely.

Location & Type

Permanent role based in Santiago, Chile.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading integral mining and materials company operating in 35 countries, producing iron ore, copper, aluminium, and critical minerals. Our purpose is to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs, while maintaining low emissions and high environmental, social and governance standards.

Respect and Inclusion

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and individuals from different cultural backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and all cultures are respected.

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Postúlate en Kit Empleo: kitempleo.cl/empleo/1cng74

📌 Principal Geotechnical Engineer (Santiago)
🏢 Rio Tinto
📍 Santiago