Mining Engineer II: Field Ops & Startup Planning

USA Rare Earth LLC; Sierra Blanca (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth LLC is seeking a Mining Engineer II to support mine operations at the Sierra Blanca project. You will contribute to short- and mid-range mine planning, ore control, equipment scheduling, and surveying, providing technical guidance to the Mining Department and related teams as production advances toward full operations.

The role requires a BS in mining or related field, 5+ years of mining engineering experience, and strong skills in mine design software (Deswik), AutoCAD, and MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of responsible mining engineering experience, including work at a surface mining operation or supervision experience is beneficial.
• Experience with construction and/or project management is desirable.
• Advanced proficiency with mine design, planning, and scheduling software, preferably Deswik, or similar packages.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with the application of large earthmoving equipment in a surface mining environment.
• Understanding of the key components of a successful mining operation, including processing, tailings, and infrastructure.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate four-wheel-drive light vehicles.
• Willingness to travel between the project site and corporate offices, and to remote locations when required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation, refinement, and implementation of short mine plans, including material sequence, metal delivery, access planning, pit design, shot muck inventory, blast design, dump sequencing, and leach pad loading.
• Plan ore grade control and scheduling to ensure quality requirements are met.
• Work with Mining Operations to develop short-range plans that maintain project schedules.
• Monitor and manage day-to-day mining activities, ensuring daily and weekly production targets are met safely.
• Chair daily, weekly, and monthly mine plan discussions to ensure all departments are aligned and bought in.
• Reconcile daily production against plan (tonnes, grade, and waste) and report variances.
• Coordinate or complete mine surveying activities and other Field Engineering assignments, and plan site surveys to validate material movement and confirm construction work follows the plan.
• Plan and track waste streams from the processing plant as the project transitions into production.
• Assist in engineering studies, including operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations.
• Write and contribute to technical study reports, and present results professionally to leadership and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with geology, geotechnical, drill-and-blast, processing, and infrastructure teams to integrate mining work into the overall project.
• Support incident investigations and root cause analysis related to mining operations, and implement preventive actions.
• Perform all duties as per MSHA regulations and company safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including productivity and cost reduction proposals.
• Prepared to lead on-site control, execution, and field delivery with a hands-on approach.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as needed to support project objectives.

Skills

Mine design software

Deswik

AutoCAD

MS Office

Field surveying

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Education

BSc Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

AutoCAD

Job description

USA Rare Earth LLC is seeking a Mining Engineer II to support mine operations at the Sierra Blanca project. You will contribute to short- and mid-range mine planning, ore control, equipment scheduling, and surveying, providing technical guidance to the Mining Department and related teams as production advances toward full operations.

The role requires a BS in mining or related field, 5+ years of mining engineering experience, and strong skills in mine design software (Deswik), AutoCAD, and MS