Science & Research Jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Now Hiring) — 40 open

Job Purpose:

The Principal Geotechnical & Hydrology is the technical authority (SME) responsible for ground stability (geotechnical) both Open Pit and Underground including Tailing Facilities and Water Management inputs across the full project lifecycle, from business case through feasibility studies.
This role is critical to de-risking mining projects, from geotechnical and hydrology aspects.

Key Accountabilities:

•    Act as SME for geotechnical and hydrogeology disciplines and provide overall technical leadership
•    Define preliminary slope angles, ground conditions, groundwater/dewatering assumptions, and high-level tailings methodologies during strategic, business case, and scoping stages
•    Identify key risks including slope instability, ground uncertainty, and water inflow/flooding, and support initial mine planning and cost assumptions (geotechnical, dewatering, tailings)
•    Lead geotechnical investigation programs (drilling, logging, ATV/OTV, lab testing) and hydrogeological assessments (aquifer behavior, pump/packer tests, water balance) during PFS
•    Develop preliminary slope design parameters, ground control concepts, dewatering strategies, water handling systems, and geotechnical/hydrology risk registers with mitigation plans
•    Contribute to mine design optimization and infrastructure development (TSF, plant, dumps)
•    Finalize slope design criteria, ground support systems, groundwater models, dewatering design, water balance, and management strategies during FS/BFS
•    Define BFS-level design parameters, CAPEX/OPEX inputs (e.g., dewatering costs, geotechnical requirements, tailings facilities), and risk mitigation measures
•    Coach and mentor business development personnel and support capability development within the organization
•    Ensure compliance with company and site-specific policies, standards, and procedures, and recommend improvements where required
•    Provide technical expertise in geotechnical and hydrology engineering across affiliates to support effective implementation of Maaden standards
•    Support the development, interpretation, and continuous improvement of Maaden policies, standards, and procedures, and assist corporate SME teams
•    Contribute to technical communications (incident briefings, programs, initiatives, periodic updates) aligned with corporate standards across multiple channels

•    Support EHSS programs through KPI tracking and delivery of key program requirements
•    Ensure decision-ready outputs at each study stage (Scoping, PFS, FS), including on-time delivery of geotechnical and hydro scope, compliance with study requirements, quality of deliverables, and progressive improvement in accuracy
•    Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:
Minimum Qualifications: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Mining Engineering/Civil Engineering.
Minimum Experience:
•    Project management experience.
•    Minimum 20 years of experience in Mining operations, project, engineering, and laboratory environment related to hard rock geotechnical and hydrology.
Generic Maaden behavioral competencies required:
•    Leadership
•    Achievement Drive
•    Communication
•    Teamwork & collaboration
•    Analytical thinking
Skills:
•    As technical services functional leader, Principal for Geotechnical and Hydrology position shall be the champion of change for improvement in all aspects of Geotechnical and Hydrology but not limited to existing operation and growth study. 
•    This position is responsible to deliver in quality and timely manner resources model with consultation with other functional within technical services, Operational leadership and Corporate.
•    Knowledge of life-of-mine planning including budgeting and metal planning.
•    Knowledge of ICMM – GISTM standard.
•    Ability to present to and collaborate with corporate executives and the site Senior Leadership Team required
•    Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access) required
•    Knowledge in Safety requirements.
•    Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
•    Geotechnical and Hydrology Principal role needs to communicate frequently within all internal and external stakeholders for all matters related to Geotechnical and Hydrology Engineering.