Peter Lucas Project Management invests in people, community, and cutting-edge technology to provide gold standard project delivery. We are currently looking for a Shaft/Hoist Engineer to join our team.

At Peter Lucas we offer a variety of work, professional development, and learning opportunities that come from working on diverse projects in the mining, energy, and heavy industrial sectors. Our dynamic environment, filled with high-achieving professionals, enables our staff to take on incredible opportunities, gain mentorship from a diverse group of colleagues, and succeed in their careers.

Please note: This position is based in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, and relocation is required. Although the job has been posted in your local area to reach a broader pool of qualified candidates, the successful candidate will be expected to relocate.

We are seeking a Senior Shaft / Hoist Engineer with 15–20 years of experience with friction hoists and/or double drum hoisting systems. This position provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and lifecycle management of shaft infrastructure and hoisting systems within an underground mining operation.

The Senior Shaft / Hoist Engineer is accountable for the safe, reliable, and compliant design, operation, inspection, maintenance, and modernization of shafts, headframes, hoists, associated conveyances, and safety systems.

This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and Regulatory teams to support production continuity, personnel safety, asset integrity, and long-term shaft performance.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Act as the technical authority for shaft and hoisting systems, including production, service, and ventilation shafts.
• Provide engineering support for:
• Drum and friction (Koepe) hoists
• Conveyances including skips, cages, and counterweights
• Wire ropes, attachments, braking systems, and controls
• Review and approve shaft and hoist designs, calculations, modifications, and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with applicable mining regulations, codes, and industry standards.

Shaft Infrastructure Management

• Oversee shaft structural integrity, including:
• Shaft lining systems (concrete, steel, composite)
• Headframes, guides, buntons, furnishings, and conveyance alignments
• Provide technical support for deep shaft environments and challenging underground conditions.
• Develop and maintain long-term shaft asset management strategies.

Inspections, Audits & Compliance

• Ensure statutory inspections, non-destructive testing (NDT), and rope testing programs are completed according to schedule.
• Interpret inspection data and recommend corrective actions or operational restrictions.
• Prepare and review documentation for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Act as a technical liaison with regulators, third-party inspectors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Maintenance & Reliability

Collaborate with Maintenance teams to:

• Develop preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Evaluate hoist availability, reliability, and performance metrics.
• Review failure investigations and implement root cause corrective actions.
• Support shutdown planning and major equipment overhauls.

Projects & Capital Planning

Lead or support capital projects related to:

• Hoist upgrades or replacements.
• Shaft rehabilitation, refurbishment, or modifications.
• Automation and control system modernization.
• Develop scopes of work, technical specifications, and contractor oversight plans.
• Support cost estimation, scheduling, and risk assessments.

Operational Support & Safety

• Provide operational support for hoisting-related issues.
• Participate in hazard assessments, operational readiness reviews, and emergency response planning.
• Promote safety leadership and operational discipline in shaft and hoist activities.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across underground operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, or related Engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng., PE, or equivalent) required.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in underground mining.
• Extensive experience with shaft and hoisting systems.
• Experience with production and service hoists, regulatory inspections and compliance, and shaft rehabilitation or major hoisting projects.
• Experience in potash or similar deep underground mining environments considered an asset.

Technical Competencies

• Hoist system design, braking systems, and control philosophies.
• Wire rope selection, installation, testing, and retirement criteria.
• Shaft structural systems and corrosion management in challenging underground environments.
• Risk-based inspection and asset lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of applicable mining and hoisting standards and regulations.

Schedule

• Full-time position with a 9/80 schedule.

Benefits

• Health and Dental Benfits.
• Company Pension Matching.

We appreciate all applicants' interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Wages are negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Global reference checks may be conducted after the interview process.

Note: Peter Lucas Project Management is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We acknowledge that the Peter Lucas head office is located on Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and the homeland of the Metis.

 We recognize that our work, our lives and our communities extend beyond these borders, taking place on the traditional and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as Canada.

 As we live, work, and play in these diverse lands, we honor the deep histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples. In the spirit of Reconciliation and guided by our mission to elevate people and communities while driving innovation and sustainability, we are committed to building respectful relationships and shared success across this land we call home.