Senior Mining / Project Engineer

About the Role

This position involves conducting engineering duties 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, collaborating daily with operations personnel, corporate engineering staff, and on-site contractors.

Responsibilities

• Track production and construction activities and compare to plan.
• Update short-range plans to maintain project schedules.
• Prepare equipment scheduling to maximize efficiency.
• Plan and schedule ore grade control to optimize efficiency while meeting customer quality 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 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience as a mining engineer in a surface mining operation.
• Experience with construction and/or project management is desirable.
• Candidate should be based in, or willing to relocate to, Winnemucca, Nevada (relocation assistance provided).

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of computer applications, including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and project scheduling software (Vulcan, Micromine Alastri, or similar).
• Knowledge of Fleet Management System reporting is a plus.
• Experience with geologic modeling and mine planning software (Vulcan is a plus).
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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.

Physical Demands

• 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 heavy 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).