Senior Planning Engineer

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR); Sierra Blanca (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth, Inc. is seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead open-pit mine design and optimization for the Round Top Mountain project in Sierra Blanca, TX.

You will shape short- and long-term plans, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvements with cross-functional teams. You should bring 10+ years in open-pit mining, strong leadership, and expertise in Deswik/Vulcan, with MSHA and geotechnical knowledge.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

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

Mine planning

Open-pit mining

Leadership

Strategic planning

Team mentoring

Analytical thinking

MSHA standards

Geotechnical principles

Drill & blast

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Job description

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

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.