Senior Mine Planning Engineer

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

Now Hiring: Senior Mine Planning Engineer | Sierra Blanca, TX

Join USA Rare Earth and help build a strategically critical domestic rare earth supply chain powering EVs, clean energy, and advanced technologies.

We’re seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to play a key leadership role at our Round Top Mountain project—one of the most significant rare earth developments in the U.S. This is a rare opportunity to shape mine design, optimize operations, and help bring a world-class project from development into full production.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Be a technical leader on a landmark U.S. mining project
• Influence life-of-mine planning, optimization, and strategy
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering team
• Work cross-functionally to drive operational excellence and innovation

What You’ll Do

• 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

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of open-pit mining experience
• Strong expertise in mine planning, design, and optimization
• Proficiency with tools like Deswik, Vulcan, or similar software
• Deep understanding of drill & blast, geotechnical principles, and mine economics
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor and influence teams
• Strong analytical thinking and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of U.S. mining regulations and MSHA standards

Full-time, on-site in Sierra Blanca, TX (Round Top Mountain)

Work in a dynamic outdoor environment with real, visible impact

If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and help shape the future of U.S. mining, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.