Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer Lead – Hydrology, Hydraulics & Dam SafetyBBA is seeking a Principal Engineer Lead – Hydrology, Hydraulics & Dam Safety to provide technical authority and leadership for water management, tailings, and dam-related projects in the mining sector. This role is central to the safe design, operation, and governance of dams and tailings facilities, where hydrological risk, hydraulic performance, and regulatory compliance are critical. You will act as a senior technical advisor and dam safety leader, supporting clients in the planning, design, assessment, and operation of tailings storage facilities, water retention dams, diversion structures, and mine water management systems. The role combines advanced technical responsibility, dam safety governance, mentoring, and client engagement.Technical Leadership & Dam Safety AuthorityProvide technical leadership and oversight for hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety aspects of mining projectsAct as senior technical reviewer for dams, tailings storage facilities, and mine water management infrastructureLead and review hydrological and hydroclimatic studies, including:Catchment and watershed analysesExtreme flood estimation and design floodsHydroclimatic and statistical analysesClimate change impact and adaptation assessmentsLead hydraulic analyses and modelling to support dam and tailings design, including:Spillway and outlet works capacityFlood routing and reservoir routingFreeboard assessmentsEmergency spillway performancePerform or oversee 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic simulations for dams, tailings facilities, and diversion systemsTailings & Mine Water ManagementLead 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 & Regulatory ComplianceLead and contribute to dam safety assessments, including:Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs)Independent Technical Reviews (ITRs)Consequence classification and hazard assessmentsFailure 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 auditsEnsure alignment with applicable U.S. dam safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards, as well as international best practicesLeadership, Mentorship & Client EngagementServe as a technical mentor and leader for hydrotechnical and dam safety professionalsSupport proposals, scopes, and technical approaches for dam and tailings projectsAct as a trusted technical advisor to mining clients and regulatory authoritiesPromote best practices in safety, risk management, and responsible tailings governanceStrong ethical standards and commitment to public and environmental safetyDeep interest in complex, high-consequence engineering challengesResults-driven with sound engineering judgmentCollaborative leadership and knowledge-sharing mindsetStrong commitment to health, safety, and responsible mining practicesQualificationsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalentMaster's degree or PhD in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field is a strong assetLicensed Professional Engineer (PE) or eligible for licensure in the United States20+ years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety, preferably in mining and tailings projectsDemonstrated experience with dam safety evaluations, tailings facilities, and flood risk managementAdvanced proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modelling toolsStrong written and verbal communication skills in EnglishAsset: Familiarity with U.S. dam safety regulations and regulatory processesAsset: Experience supporting Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation mappingAsset: Knowledge of instrumentation, hydrometry, and dam monitoring systemsAsset: Familiarity with international dam and tailings guidelines (e.g., industry best practices)Asset: Experience incorporating climate change considerations into dam and flood designAbout BBABBA 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.