Underground Chief Mine Engineer

P&C Recruiting | H.R.; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

P&C Recruiting | H.R. is seeking an experienced Underground Chief Mine Engineer located in Nevada, Iowa, to lead the tech services team. The successful candidate will oversee mine planning for long-hole stoping operations and ensure regulatory compliance while mentoring engineers.

This role offers a chance to shape the future of the underground mining engineering group while addressing technical challenges and enhancing operational efficiency. A background of 8-15 years in underground hard-rock mining is essential.

Qualifications

• 8-15+ years of experience in underground hard-rock mining with long-hole stoping.
• Proficient in mine planning software and knowledge of MSHA regulations.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee mine plans for long-hole stoping operations.
• Lead and develop mine engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage engineering budgets and support underground capital projects.

Skills

Mine planning software – Deswik experience

Underground hard-rock mining

Paste backfill and CRF operations

Leadership in technical services

Geotechnical principles

Communication abilities

Microsoft Software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Our Company team is seeking an experienced Underground Chief Mine Engineer to lead the underground tech services group comprising of mine engineers, planners, surveyors, ventilation engineers, and technical technicians for the Underground Mine. Reporting to the UG Technical Services Manager, you will ensure that the mine’s long-hole stoping mining method is designed, scheduled, and executed safely and profitably. This role will also act as the primary technical liaison between operations, geology, and management. The underground is currently in its early development stages and now transitioning from exploration development to capital development. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual to build the foundation for the underground mining engineering group, standards, and procedures that will be used for the life of mine.

Essential Functions

• Mine Planning & Design

  Develop and oversee short, mid, and long range mine plans for a long hole stoping operation using paste backfill and cemented rockfill. Approve stope designs, drill patterns, sequencing, and ground support strategies. Ensure backfill requirements (strength, timing, curing windows) are integrated into the mine schedule. Optimize stope sequencing to balance geotechnical stability, ventilation constraints, and production targets.

• Technical Leadership & Team Management

  Lead, mentor, and develop mine engineers, surveyors, and technical staff. Foster a collaborative environment between engineering and operations, emphasizing problem solving and continuous improvement. Set technical standards, review engineering work, and ensure quality control across all engineering deliverables.

• Operational Support

  Provide real-time technical guidance to underground operations, including drilling, blasting, backfilling, and ground support installation. Troubleshoot stope performance issues (dilution, overbreak, paste delivery, drilling accuracy). Coordinate with maintenance, backfill plant personnel, and production supervisors to ensure alignment with engineering plans.

• Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Compliance

  Ensure all engineering designs comply with MSHA regulations and Nevada state mining requirements. Support and reinforce site Health & Safety Management Systems and environmental compliance programs. Lead risk assessments for new stopes, mining methods, or ground conditions.

• Backfill & Geotechnical Integration

  Work closely with geotechnical engineers to ensure stope stability, pillar design, and sequencing meet safety and production needs. Oversee paste backfill and CRF design parameters, QA/QC, and scheduling to maintain mine stability and minimize dilution.

• Budgeting & Project Management

  Manage engineering department budgets, staffing, and capital project planning. Lead or support underground capital projects (ventilation upgrades, dewatering systems, new development headings, backfill plant improvements). Evaluate and justify new technologies, equipment, or software to improve efficiency.

• Data Management & Reporting

  Oversee production reporting, stope reconciliation, and variance analysis. Ensure accurate survey control, mine modeling, and engineering databases. Present engineering updates to senior leadership and contribute to life of mine planning.

Qualifications and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related field
• 8-15+ years of experience in underground hard-rock mining experience, with significant exposure to long-hole stoping
• Demonstrated experience with paste backfill and CRF operations
• Prior leadership or superintendent-level experience in technical services
• Proficient in mine planning software – Deswik experience required
• Knowledge of MSHA regulations and site safety practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Software
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles, stope design, and backfill engineering
• Familiarity with ventilation modeling, survey practices, and underground infrastructure design
• Strong communication and cross-departmental coordination abilities
• Ability to coach and mentor engineers at various experience levels
• Strategic thinking with a focus on safety, efficiency, and long-term value creation
• Requires a valid driver’s license.