Drill and Blast Engineer

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying critical minerals essential for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We aim to reimagine the minerals supply chain by blending deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Role

We are seeking a Drill & Blast Engineer to join our team at our surface copper site in La Sal, UT. This role involves designing, executing, and optimizing drilling and blasting operations to support high-performance heap leach and excavation workflows while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Blast Design & Optimization
• Develop and refine blast patterns and charge designs tailored to specific geotechnical domains.
• Utilize ANFO, emulsions, bulk delivery systems, and timing systems (Nonel/electronic) for optimal fragmentation and vibration control.
• Apply advanced blast modeling tools for fragmentation, timing, and vibration analysis.
• Lead KPI reconciliation, including powder factor, cost/ton, fragmentation outcomes, dilution, and elevation control, to continuously improve blast performance.
• Drill Program Management
• Plan and coordinate drilling patterns and schedules aligned with mine plans.
• Oversee drill contractors to ensure compliance with safety standards, hole specifications, production rates, and QA/QC.
• Maintain pit wall stability through careful design and geotechnical collaboration.
• Safety & Compliance
• Champion a safety-first culture in all blasting and explosives-handling activities.
• Ensure all operations meet MSHA, ATF, and state regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate explosives inventory, blast logs, and compliance documentation.
• Conduct pre-blast assessments and post-blast evaluations to verify safety and performance.
• Cost Management & Innovation
• Partner with blasting crews to ensure designs are executed accurately in the field.
• Analyze explosive consumption, initiation systems, and operational parameters to optimize total blasting cost.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies or methodologies that enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in surface mine drill & blast engineering.
• Proficiency in blast design software (e.g., ShotPlus, JKSblast).
• Strong understanding of MSHA and ATF regulations.
• Experience with bulk ANFO and emulsion delivery systems.
• Background in copper or heap leach operations (preferred).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with operators, engineers, and contractors.

Culture

Our culture is built on three principles: Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions. Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale. Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.