Lead Open-Pit Mine Planning Engineer (Senior)

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR); Sierra Blanca (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth, Round Top Mountain project in Sierra Blanca, TX, is seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead open-pit design, planning, and optimization. The role focuses on developing short- and long-term plans, sequencing, and layouts to maximize production while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

You will mentor engineers, manage contractors, and collaborate with exploration, operations, and permitting teams to ensure successful project execution and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of open-pit mining experience and strong mine planning, design, and optimization capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead mine design, planning, and optimization for open-pit operations.
• Develop short- and long-term mine plans, sequencing, and layouts.
• Monitor performance vs. plan and drive continuous improvements.
• Manage contractors and engineering consultants.
• Conduct economic evaluations, cost analysis, and productivity assessments.
• Ensure compliance with MSHA, safety, and environmental standards.
• Implement and enhance mine planning systems and processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and build technical capability across the team.
• Collaborate with exploration, operations, and permitting teams to ensure execution success.

Skills

Open-pit mining

Mine planning

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Job description

USA Rare Earth, Round Top Mountain project in Sierra Blanca, TX, is seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead open-pit design, planning, and optimization. The role focuses on developing short- and long-term plans, sequencing, and layouts to maximize production while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

You will mentor engineers, manage contractors, and collaborate with exploration, operations, and permitting teams to ensure successful project execution and continuous improvement