Pit Builder

Job Description

Reporting to the Control Room Supervisor, the Pit Technician advises the Command Controller and Command Builder on operational changes that should be made to optimize the autonomous operation and individual truck performance in the pit. The Pit Technician also executes manual interventions in the field to resolve system issues that arise on the autonomous trucks.

Working in the field as the control room’s eyes on the ground, the Pit Technician keeps the physical conditions in the Autonomous Operating Zone (AOZ) matching the digital mine model. This includes surveying and validating the AOZ, verifying floor condition, zone geometry and access control, and providing real-time feedback to the Builders and Controllers so the field matches the model.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Command Controller and Command Builder on changes to optimize the autonomous operation and individual truck performance.
• Ensure physical conditions in the AOZ match the digital mine model.
• Perform regular surveys and validation of the AOZ, including LiDAR and surface validation surveys.
• Verify floor condition, zone geometry and access control, and conduct pit inspections and area surveys.
• Identify hazards such as loose rock, standing water or poor floor compaction, and confirm and mark infrastructure such as cables, lighting and bunds.
• Maintain signage, barriers and exclusion indicators, and create safe zones for others to work during field interactions and incident investigations.
• Execute manual interventions on autonomous trucks, including troubleshooting equipment, running recovery scripts and manually resetting equipment as required.
• Carry out truck recovery and intervention, and ensure each truck is available in the correct mode as required.
• Investigate any occurrences that cause autonomous trucks to stop.
• Identify truck behaviors that require maintenance or optimization and inform the appropriate personnel.
• Optimize system configuration for autonomous mine truck performance, and ensure all AHS activities comply with regulations and mine guidelines.
• Provide real-time field feedback to the Builders and Controllers.

Job Requirements

• Set the workplace health and safety culture within AHS field operations.
• Comply with and adhere to all company policies, regulations and procedures.
• Report autonomy-related incidents as soon as practicable.
• Participate in safety enquiries, safety meetings, workplace inspections and site safety programs as required.
• Create safe zones for others to work, and ensure equipment is maintained and used in accordance with company health and safety standards.

Qualifications

Essential

• High school diploma or equivalent; a diploma or degree in mine engineering, robotics or autonomous systems is an asset.
• 2 or more years in an open-pit mining or autonomous operations environment.
• Knowledge of autonomous truck behavior in the field.
• Experience with fleet-management systems such as CAT MineStar, Modular or similar.
• Strong organizational and priority-setting skills; able to make complex decisions and work under pressure.

Preferred

• Previous exposure to autonomous mining systems (highly desirable).
• Engineering experience.
• Advanced computer literacy and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound knowledge of open-pit mining fundamentals and autonomous mining operations.

Working Conditions

This role operates on a shift-based schedule, requiring coordination during both day and night shifts.

Requires field work in the pit and the AOZ in varying weather and ground conditions.