Senior Backfill Engineer

Paterson & Cooke UK is seeking a Senior Backfill Engineer to join our team and support the design and delivery of mine backfill projects for mining clients worldwide.

This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer with strong technical capability in backfill systems and associated process plant design, who is looking to take a leading role in studies, design development, technical delivery and client engagement. The role offers involvement across the full project lifecycle, from concept and feasibility studies through to detailed design, commissioning support and operational optimisation.

You will work as part of the European engineering team, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams across our regional offices delivering practical and technically robust solutions for our mining clients.

As a Senior Backfill Engineer, you will provide technical leadership in the design and delivery of mine backfill systems and associated infrastructure. You will be responsible for developing process and engineering solutions, leading technical workstreams, guiding junior engineers and contributing to high-quality project execution.

Tasks & Responsibilities

* Lead the engineering design and technical delivery of mine backfill systems across concept, feasibility, basic and detailed design phases

* Develop backfill process design criteria, mass balances, flowsheets and plant design philosophies

* Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, specifications, equipment datasheets and design deliverables

* Support the design of backfill plants and associated systems, including material handling, mixing, pumping, distribution and reticulation infrastructure

* Contribute to laboratory test work interpretation and the translation of test results into practical design parameters

* Coordinate with mechanical, piping, civil, structural, electrical and control disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery

* Lead or contribute to design reviews, HAZOPs, risk assessments and technical workshops

* Provide technical input to equipment selection, vendor engagement, bid evaluations and supplier document review

* Support construction, commissioning and operational troubleshooting activities where required

* Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal technical capability

* Lead the preparation of proposals, reports, and technical presentations for clients and stakeholders

* Represent Paterson & Cooke in professional forums, conferences, or technical collaborations, as appropriate

Minimum Requirements and Competencies

* Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Process Engineering, or a related discipline

* 10+ years of relevant experience in mine backfill engineering, typically including paste backfill, hydraulic fill, thickened tailings backfill or related systems.

* Strong understanding of backfill system design, including preparation, storage, pumping and underground distribution considerations

* Experience delivering engineering work across feasibility studies and detailed design phases

* Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

* Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams

* Practical, analytical and delivery-focused approach to engineering problems

* Experience leading technical workstreams or small engineering teams

* Willingness to travel occasionally for site visits and project support

For the right candidate, a flexible remote working arrangement may be considered, with regular attendance in the UK office as required

Compensation & Benefits

In return Paterson & Cooke UK offers a competitive annual salary for the position. In addition to the base salary the position is eligible for annual bonus compensation based on company and individual performance. This role is also eligible to participate in the company’s benefits program including health and life insurance, employee ownership scheme, enhanced annual leave, occupational sick pay, a day off on your birthday and company pension scheme

A Career with Paterson & Cooke

Paterson & Cooke is an international specialist engineering firm known for high quality work and for exceeding client expectations, often with innovative solutions. Our team enjoy the challenge of living up to this standard daily in a workplace that allows each employee to thrive. In the UK office, we balance a demanding, rewarding workload with consideration for work-life balance. We have a unique work schedule in which we earn every other Friday afternoon off.

We enjoy the opportunity for time together outside of work including summer BBQ’s, family socials and spur of the moment get togethers. We encourage employees to expand their knowledge through employer supported training courses and on-site experience. With offices spanning five continents and international clientele, P&C provides opportunities for our employees to travel the world. Our size enables us to make a difference in the company and fosters opportunities for career growth and advancement