Senior Mining/Project Engineer

Sawtooth Mining; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sawtooth Mining seeks an experienced Mining Engineer for the Thacker Pass Project in Winnemucca, NV. The role focuses on planning and supervising construction, tracking short-range production, and coordinating with operations, engineering staff, and on-site contractors.

The successful candidate will deliver progress reports, prepare schedules, and provide technical support across environmental and safety requirements while ensuring MSHA compliance. Relocation support available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with construction or project management is desirable.
• A minimum of 5–10 years of experience as a mining engineer in a surface mining operation.

Responsibilities

• Track production/construction activities and compare to plan.
• Update short-range plans to maintain project schedules.
• Prepare equipment scheduling to maximize efficiency.
• Ore grade control planning and scheduling to optimize efficiency while meeting customer requirements.
• Plan and track waste streams from the plant as it transitions into production.
• Assist in the preparation of long-term plans and annual work plans, including monthly updates.
• Perform and prepare reports for end-of-period material reconciliation.
• Provide support to operations and maintenance departments as directed.
• Design and oversee construction projects, including buildings, concrete, and water management facilities.
• Assist in engineering studies such as operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations.
• Provide technical support for environmental engineering projects related to mine permitting and regulatory compliance.

Skills

MS Office

Strong communication

Problem solving

Field inspections

Budgeting/financial analysis

Engineering software

Earthmoving equipment familiarity

Education

B.S. in Mining Engineering, Civil, Geological, Construction, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Vulcan

Micromine Alastri

Project scheduling software

Job description

This position will conduct engineering duties necessary for the planning and construction of a developmental surface lithium mine. The engineer will plan and track short-range production during construction and into the mine production phase, working daily with operations personnel, corporate engineering staff, and on-site contractors. The engineer will produce progress reports and report variances to the plans.

Work Location: Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, NV.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Track production/construction activities and compare to plan.
• Update short-range plans to maintain project schedules.
• Prepare equipment scheduling to maximize efficiency.
• Ore Grade Control planning and scheduling to optimize efficiency while meeting the quality requirements of our customer.
• Plan and track waste streams from the plant as it transitions into production.
• Assist in the preparation of long-term plans and annual work plans, including monthly updates.
• Perform and prepare reports for end-of-period material reconciliation.
• Provide support to the operations and maintenance departments as directed.
• Design and oversee construction projects, including buildings, concrete, and water management facilities.
• Assist in engineering studies such as operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations.
• Provide technical support for environmental engineering projects associated with mine permitting and regulatory compliance, including surface and groundwater management, soils handling, waste management, and blasting.
• Perform job duties in accordance with MSHA law and regulations, established company safety procedures, and state and federal regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of computer applications is required.
• Microsoft Office Applications.
• AutoCAD.
• Project Scheduling Software (Vulcan, Micromine Alastri, or similar).
• Knowledge of Fleet Management System reporting is a plus.
• Geologic modeling and mine planning software (Vulcan is a plus).
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with the application of large earthmoving equipment in a surface mining environment.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial analysis is desirable.
• Knowledge of civil/environmental engineering applications and environmental and safety regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with construction and/or project management is desirable.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience as a mining engineer in a surface mining operation.

RELOCATION:

Candidate should be based in, or willing to relocate to, Winnemucca, Nevada (relocation assistance provided).

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION:

• Intermittently: None
• Occasionally (0 – 1/3 of workday): Kneeling/crouching (field inspections, troubleshooting); pushing/pulling (light equipment, sampling devices); reaching-above/below shoulder (equipment access, truck cabs); riding in heaving equipment (haul trucks, graders); entering/exiting equipment (3-point contact climbing required); working at elevations/heights (pit walls, elevated platforms); bending/stooping (inspecting ground, samples, equipment); lifting (up to 30-40 pounds: core boxes, tools, sampling gear); carrying (PPE kits, survey gear, laptops); climbing (accessing shovels, highwalls, stairs/ladders); standing (pre-shift meetings, pit observations, mine site walk-throughs).
• Frequently (1/3 – 2/3 of workday): Navigation of active mining areas (around haul trucks); walking (pit floors, waste dumps, uneven and rocky terrain); walking on uneven ground (loose ore, benches, slopes); driving light vehicles (long distances across mine site (minimum of 10 miles/day); sitting (engineering design, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, Vulcan, Microsoft Office Applications).
• Constantly (2/3 – 3/3 of workday): Fine motor skills-typing, instruments (engineering software, GPS/survey tools); vision (hazard recognition, surveying, reading plans/screens); hearing (radio communication, alarms, heavy equipment); communication (coordination with operators, supervisors, contractors); depth perception (working near edges, haul roads, highwalls); situational awareness (MSHA safety environment).

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate.

You must meet at least the specific minimum requirements listed above to be considered a qualified applicant.