Supervisor, Geotechnical Design Engineer
Advertised: 19 November 2025
Newmont
Mining, Oil and Gas | National Capital District, Morobe, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Central, East Sepik, East New Britain, Eastern Highlands, Madang, Milne Bay, New Ireland, West New Britain, Western Highlands
At Newmont, we’re not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we’re a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we’re dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
About LihirOur Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world’s largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.
We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.
Your Impact
Joining our geotechnical team, you will support safe and efficient mine operations by managing geotechnical hazards that could impact safety and business performance. Your expertise in slope design, stability analysis, and geotechnical data management will directly contribute to the success of short, medium, and long-term mine planning across the Lihir Operations.
As part of our team, you will
As a Supervisor (senior equivalent) Geotechnical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping safe and efficient open-pit mining operations at Lihir. You will lead geotechnical investigations, deliver high-quality slope designs, and provide expert technical guidance that supports confident mine planning and risk management. This is an opportunity to influence major operational outcomes while developing and mentoring a high-performing technical team.
You will:
- Provide technical expertise on pit slope design and slope management practices.
- Collect, interpret, and analyse geotechnical data, including core logging, sampling, field testing, geological mapping, and UAV photogrammetry.
- Conduct 2D and 3D slope stability modelling using software such as Rocscience suite (SLIDE2, SLIDE3D, RS2, RS3, DIPS, SWEDGE), FLAC 2D/3D (optional), GeoStudio, and other relevant tools.
- Prepare detailed stability analysis reports and clearly communicate recommendations to support short, medium, and long-term mine planning.
Perform stability back-analysis for all fall-of-ground incidents and develop mitigation measures. - Support operational teams by integrating geotechnical monitoring data and contributing to risk management decisions.
- Support mine operations in implementing and managing slope processes and systems, under the direction of the Geotechnical Superintendent.
- Collaborate with consultants and stakeholders to collect data, refine models, and integrate monitoring information for long-term slope design and risk management.
- Work with the Group Geotechnical team on slope designs with significant safety or operational implications, including LOPP and MTP projects.
- Mentor and develop team members, graduates, and trainees in modelling, slope stability analysis, and geotechnical risk management.
- Update and maintain geotechnical Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP).
- Champion proactive safety behaviours and ensure full compliance with HSE standards.
Prerequisites for your success in this role
You bring strong technical expertise in geology or engineering, with hands-on experience in open-cut mine sites in both soft and hard rock. Safety, leadership, and adaptability are at the core of your approach. You take ownership of outcomes, embrace challenges, and deliver results under pressure while developing and guiding your team.
You will also bring:
- Tertiary qualification in Bachelor of Science (Geology) or Engineering (Civil or Mining).
- Currently holds, or is willing to obtain, accreditation from the Institute of Engineers Papua New Guinea (IEPNG).
- Postgraduate qualifications in geotechnical engineering or project management are desirable.
- Extensive geotechnical management experience in open-pit mining operations, including time spent in senior-level roles.
- Strong proficiency in geotechnical modelling software (Rocscience suite, GeoStudio; FLAC desirable).
- Experience with geotechnical database management (e.g., acQuire) and geological/mine planning software (Leapfrog, MineSight preferred).
- Highly proficient in MS Office applications, including advanced use of Excel for data analysis and reporting.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills; able to mentor teams while embodying Newmont’s values and vision.
- Open-minded, adaptable, and able to take on diverse challenges with effective prioritisation and time management.
- Comprehensive knowledge of PNG Mine Safety Act and regulations.
- Excellent analytical, planning, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Your work environment
This role is based at Newmont’s Lihir Operations in Papua New Guinea and follows a 22:20 Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) roster to Lihir Island. The position primarily operates on a day shift, with occasional night shift callouts as required.
You will work closely with the Geotechnical, Mine Operations, and Planning teams in a dynamic open pit environment. The role provides exposure to technically challenging geotechnical conditions and offers the opportunity to influence large-scale, complex mining projects.
Our FIFO employees stay in a secure and comfortable camp, in an en-suited and airconditioned room equipped with mini fridge, TV and Wi-Fi. A variety of healthy meal options are catered for at our mess; and the wet mess provides a relaxed social setting where employees can unwind with a game of pool or darts.
Why Join Newmont
- Be part of one of the world’s leading gold mining companies with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and community.
- Work within a collaborative team of technical specialists and leaders who value innovation and continuous improvement.
- Access opportunities for professional development, career mobility, and leadership growth.
To Apply
To apply, email your CV and other relevant documentation to [email protected]. Please include the Job ID "#25245" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.
More information
Job ID: #25245
Industry: Mining, Oil and Gas
Location: National Capital District, Morobe, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Central, East Sepik, East New Britain, Eastern Highlands, Madang, Milne Bay, New Ireland, West New Britain, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Company: Newmont
Company Description: Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc and lead. The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. The Company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.
Company Website: https://www.newmont.com/
Source: www.pngworkforce.com