Senior Underground Mine Planning & Optimization Engineer

Compass Minerals, Inc.; Louisiana, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits starting Day 1

11 paid holidays

PTO package

Sick time

401(k) with company match

Education reimbursement

EAP

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

Compass Minerals seeks a Senior Underground Mining Engineer to lead underground mine planning and technical services, ensuring safe, efficient operations and sustainable output. You will develop short-term to life-of-mine plans, lead design and ventilation initiatives, and mentor a technical team.

You will partner with operations, geology, and safety to align plans with business goals, drive continuous improvement, and support budgeting and capital planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive underground mining experience.
• Experience with short-term, mid-range, and life-of-mine planning.
• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, or project coordination.
• Advanced knowledge of underground mine planning, design, ventilation, surveying, and scheduling.
• Proficiency with mine planning, engineering, and data visualization software.
• Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of short-term, mid-range, and life-of-mine plans.
• Develop mine designs, sequencing strategies, pillar layouts, and infrastructure plans.
• Evaluate geological, geotechnical, ventilation, equipment, and operational constraints to maximize resource recovery.
• Monitor plan performance through reporting, reconciliation, and variance analysis.
• Prepare and present mine schedules, technical reports, and planning recommendations.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, geology, safety, and leadership teams to align planning with operational objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Technical Services and Operations.
• Lead planning reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning activities.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and development for engineers, surveyors, technicians, interns, and contractors.
• Oversee ventilation systems, mine infrastructure, resource and reserve evaluation, and geotechnical monitoring activities.
• Promote engineering standards, best practices, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental requirements, and company engineering standards.
• Support hazard identification, risk management, and operational excellence initiatives.

Skills

Underground mining

Technical leadership

Project management

Data visualization

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering/Geotechnical Engineering/Geology

Tools

Mine planning software

Geotechnical software

Surveying software

Job description

Compass Minerals seeks a Senior Underground Mining Engineer to lead underground mine planning and technical services, ensuring safe, efficient operations and sustainable output. You will develop short-term to life-of-mine plans, lead design and ventilation initiatives, and mentor a technical team.

You will partner with operations, geology, and safety to align plans with business goals, drive continuous improvement, and support budgeting and capital planning.