Principal Engineer Lead, Hydrology & Hydraulics - Mining & Dams

Type of position:
Régulier
Your future role at BBABBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead - Hydrology,Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership forwater management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. Thisrole is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams andtailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, andregulatory compliance are critical.
You will act as a senior technical advisor and damsafety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, andoperation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversionstructures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advancedtechnical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and clientengagement.
With us, you'll get the opportunity toTechnicalLeadership & Dam Safety Authority
Provide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projects
Act as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructure
Lead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including:
Catchment and watershed analyses
Extreme flood estimation and design floods
Hydroclimatic and statistical analyses
Climate change impact and adaptation assessments
Lead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including:
Spillway and outlet works capacity
Flood routing and reservoir routing
Freeboard assessments
Emergency spillway performance
Perform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systems
Tailings & Mine Water Management
Lead the development of integrated mine water management strategies, including water balances, operational water routing, and contingency planning.
Develop and review water and mass balance models for tailings storage facilities and mine operations.
Support tailings governance frameworks, including design basis, operating criteria, and performance monitoring.
Contribute to closure and long-term water management strategies for tailings and mine facilities.
Dam Safety, Risk & RegulatoryCompliance
Lead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including:
Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs)
Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs)
Consequence classification and hazard assessments
Failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA)
Support emergency preparedness and response planning, including dam break analysis and inundation mapping and emergency action plans (EAPs)
Prepare and review dam safety documentation in support of regulatory submissions and audits
Ensure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practices
Leadership, Mentorship & Client Engagement
Serve as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionals
Support proposals, scopes, and technical approaches for dam and tailings projects
Act as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authorities
Promote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governance
Do your qualities and values matchour corporate culture?
Strong ethical standards and commitment to public and environmental safety
Deep interest in complex, high-consequence engineering challenges
Results-driven with sound engineering judgment
Collaborative leadership and knowledge-sharing mindset
Strong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practices
Summary of certifications and jobrequirements
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent
Master's degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong asset
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States
20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projects
Demonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk management
Advanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling tools
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Asset: Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processes
Asset: Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mapping
Asset: Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systems
Asset: Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.G., industry best practices)
Asset: Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood design
AboutBBABBA is one of Canada's leading private consulting engineering firms, with over 45 years of experience serving the energy and natural resources industry.
Our people are the foundation of our success. Their passion and excellence have earned us recognition as one of Canada's Best Employers and Best Managed Companies, and we're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead and be themselves.
Our teams bring together engineering, environmental and commissioning expertise to deliver practical, innovative and sustainable solutions-from strategy to execution. With 20 offices across Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, we combine local presence with international reach, offering clients close collaboration and field-ready support.
Learn more about our culture and projects on LinkedIn or connect with our talent team.
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