Long Term Mine Planning Engineer

Copper World Inc; Sahuarita (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonuses

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with employer contribution

Employee Share Purchase Plan with MIR

Paid time off

Job summary

Hudbay is seeking a Long-Term Mine Planning Engineer to lead Life of Mine planning and pit optimization for our copper-focused operations. You will determine profitable mining sequences, optimize pit designs, and coordinate with environmental and operations teams to ensure safe, efficient growth over decades.

The role requires 5+ years in open-pit mine engineering, expertise in mine planning software, and strong financial analysis skills to support CAPEX and project valuation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in mine engineering in open pit operations.
• Expert-level knowledge of mine planning and optimization software (e.g., Hexagon MinePlan 3D/MPSO).
• Strong financial modeling and economic analysis, including DCF valuation and cost‑benefit analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Life of Mine (LOM) plan and pit/phase optimizations.
• Determine optimum pit limits based on copper prices and costs.
• Design large-scale pushbacks to maintain continuous ore access.
• Plan Waste Rock Facilities (WRF) and tailings storage capacity long-term.
• Forecast CAPEX for fleet expansion and mill upgrades.
• Create alternative scenarios and perform sensitivity analyses.

Skills

Mine planning

NPV modeling

Financial modeling

Optimization principles

Strategic mindset

Big-picture engineering

Tools

Hexagon MinePlan 3D/MPSO

Job description

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru, and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the Company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production and by-product zinc, silver and molybdenum. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona (United States), the Cactus project in Arizona (United States), the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities, and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives, and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Mission

To create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging our core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Sr. Principal Mine Engineer, the Long-Term Mine Planning Engineer is responsible for determining which parts of the deposit are profitable to dig and how the massive pit will evolve over decades. This role develops and maintains the Life-of-Mine (LOM) plan, conducts pit/phase optimizations, and performs trade-off studies that guide major capital investments and operational strategy.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Life of Mine (LOM) Planning
  • Pit Optimization: To determine optimum pit limits based on fluctuating copper prices and operating costs.
  • Cut-off Grade Strategy: Determine the minimum copper grade required to process material vs. sending it to a stockpile, maximizing the Net Present Value (NPV) of the project.
  • Pushback Design: Design large-scale mining "phases" or "pushbacks" that allow for continuous ore access while maintaining safe wall angles.
• Waste Rock Facilities (WRF): Long‑term planning for where millions of tons of waste will go over 20 years, ensuring they don’t "cover up" future ore bodies.
• Tailings Management: Coordinating with environmental teams to ensure the tailings storage facilities (TSF) have enough capacity for the planned production rate.
• Water, Power and Communications: Projecting the long-term utility needs as the pits deepen and the haul distances increase.
• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Forecasting when the mine will need a new multi-milliondollar fleet of ultra‑class trucks or a mill expansion.
• Reserve Reporting: Working with Geologists to convert "Resources" into "Proven and Probable Reserves" for annual corporate filing and investor transparency.
• "What If" Modeling: Creating alternate plans for scenarios like a 20% drop in copper prices or an unexpected delay in a specific permit.
• Sensitivity Analysis: Testing how changes in commodity price, fuel costs, labor availability and other key value drivers impact the mine’s long‑term viability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

Experience

• 5+ years of proven experience in mine engineering in open pit operations, of which at least 3 years previous mine planning experience preferably in a similar operation.

Technical Knowledge

• Mine Planning Software Proficiency: Expert‑level knowledge of specialized mine planning and optimization software (e.g., Hexagon MinePlan 3D/MPSO).
• Optimization Principles: Theoretical and practical knowledge of open pit mine optimization principles, NPV modeling, and strategic mine design.
• Financial Acumen: Competency in financial modeling and economic analysis, including DCF valuation and cost‑benefit analysis.
• Strategic Mindset: High proficiency in financial modeling and "big picture" engineering.
• Advanced Software: Expertise in pit optimization and high‑level scheduling software.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements

Physical

– The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment

– The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.

Employee must be able to prove that he/she has a current and valid driver's license.

Why Hudbay?

• At Hudbay, our values of Dignity & Respect, Caring, Openness, and Trustworthiness are embedded into our culture by the way we work and how we interact with one another.
• We pride ourselves in providing our employees with competitive total rewards that include:
  • Annual performance bonuses
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
  • Company paid Life insurance, AD&D, Short- & Long-term Disability
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution
  • An Employee Share Purchase Plan with contribution matching
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay
• Regular performance appraisals to acknowledge our employees for their contributions, strengths and work well done.

Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check. Depending on the specific requirements of the role, candidates may also need to undergo a physical examination, drug screening, and educational verification.