Underground Chief Mine Engineer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Cookordinate with maintenance, backfill plant personnel, and production supervisors to ensure alignment with engineering plans.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.