Principal Mining Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Comprehensive health, dental, vision,

Retirement plans

Stock options or long-term incentives

Full remote work flexibility

Significant growth and strategicimpact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer with extensive underground expertise for a fully remote, global role. You will provide strategic technical leadership across underground operations, develop long-term mine plans, and optimize designs, layouts, and ventilation for complex environments.

You will mentor cross-functional teams, drive innovation, assess economics and risks, and ensure safety and environmental compliance while delivering value to projects worldwide.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in mining engineering with a strong underground focus.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution; PE or Pr. Eng designation preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and drive change in a global, remote-working environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and strategic direction for all underground mining operations.
• Develop and review long-term mine plans, production forecasts, and economic evaluations for underground projects.
• Oversee the design and implementation of mine layouts, ventilation systems, and ground support strategies for complex underground environments.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards across underground activities.
• Mentor and guide a team of mining engineers and geologists, promoting best practices.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies and methodologies to enhance safety, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Underground mining

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the global mining sector, is actively seeking a Principal Mining Engineer with extensive expertise in underground operations. This is a critical, fully remote position designed for a seasoned professional who can provide high-level strategic guidance and technical leadership. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, optimizing performance, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency across our underground mining projects worldwide. As a remote-first organization, we empower our team members with the tools and autonomy to excel from any location. This role requires a deep understanding of various underground mining methods, advanced planning techniques, and a proven track record of successfully managing complex mining challenges. You will contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and strategic direction for all underground mining operations.
• Develop and review long-term mine plans, production forecasts, and economic evaluations for underground projects.
• Oversee the design and implementation of mine layouts, ventilation systems, and ground support strategies for complex underground environments.
• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance in all underground mining activities.
• Mentor and guide a team of mining engineers and geologists, fostering technical development and best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies to improve safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness in underground mining.
• Conduct feasibility studies and due diligence for potential underground mining opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior management, operational teams, and external consultants to achieve strategic goals.
• Represent the company in technical forums and contribute to industry best practices in underground mining .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mining engineering, with a substantial focus on underground mining operations .
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple underground mining methods (e.g., block caving, sublevel caving, cut-and-fill, room-and-pillar).
• Proficiency with advanced mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Strong understanding of mine economics, risk assessment, and project management principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, critical for a fully remote, global role .
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Pr. Eng. designation is required.
• Proven ability to influence and drive change within large organizations.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including base salary and significant performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits including premium health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement plans.
• Stock options or long-term incentive plans.
• Full remote work flexibility.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and strategic impact.
• Chance to lead and shape the future of underground mining for a global leader.