We are seeking an experienced
Senior Mining/Project Engineer to support the planning, construction, and transition to operations of a developing surface lithium mine at the Thacker Pass Project in northern Nevada.
This is a long-term opportunity for an experienced engineer who wants to take an active role in the development of a major surface mining operation. The position offers a combination of
mine engineering, project engineering, construction support, and operational planning within a collaborative, safety-focused environment.
The Senior Mining/Project Engineer will plan and track short-range production throughout construction and into the mine production phase. This position works closely with operations personnel, engineering teams, and on-site contractors to maintain project schedules, monitor construction and production progress, identify variances, and support the safe and efficient development of the operation.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Track mining, production, and construction activities against established plans, schedules, and project objectives.
- Develop and update short-range mine and construction plans to maintain project schedules.
- Prepare equipment schedules and support the efficient utilization of mining and earthmoving equipment.
- Develop ore grade-control plans and schedules to optimize operational efficiency while meeting material-quality requirements.
- Plan and track plant waste streams as the operation transitions into production.
- Assist with long-term mine planning, annual work plans, and monthly planning updates.
- Perform end-of-period material reconciliations and prepare associated reports.
- Prepare progress reports, identify variances from established plans, and communicate findings to project and operational stakeholders.
- Provide engineering and technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
- Design, coordinate, and oversee construction projects involving buildings, concrete structures, water-management facilities, and related mine infrastructure.
- Coordinate with contractors, operations personnel, and engineering teams to support safe and timely project execution.
- Support engineering studies, including operating budgets, optimization studies, equipment evaluations, and project planning.
- Provide technical support for environmental engineering initiatives associated with mine permitting and regulatory compliance, including surface and groundwater management, soils handling, waste management, and blasting.
- Identify engineering and project execution challenges and develop practical solutions to maintain safety, quality, schedule, and operational objectives.
- Perform all responsibilities in accordance with MSHA requirements, established safety procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 5-10 years of engineering experience in a surface mining environment.
- Demonstrated experience with mine engineering, construction, and/or project execution.
- Experience supporting mine development, major construction projects, or the transition from development into production is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of large earthmoving equipment and its application in surface mining operations.
- Experience with short-range mine planning, production tracking, scheduling, and reconciliation.
- Experience with AutoCAD.
- Experience with mine planning and scheduling software such as Vulcan, Micromine, Alastri, or similar.
- Experience with geologic modeling and mine-planning software; Vulcan experience is a plus.
- Knowledge of fleet-management-system reporting is a plus.
- Knowledge of civil and environmental engineering applications and applicable environmental and mine-safety regulations.
- Familiarity with budgeting, cost analysis, and engineering economics is desirable.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, maintenance, and contractor teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Work Location & Relocation
This position supports the
Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, Nevada.
Candidates should currently reside in or be willing to relocate to
Winnemucca, Nevada.
Relocation assistance is provided.Physical & Work Environment Requirements
This position combines office-based engineering and project responsibilities with regular work in an active surface mining and construction environment.
Occasionally (up to 1/3 of the workday): Kneeling or crouching during inspections and troubleshooting; pushing or pulling light equipment and sampling devices; reaching above or below shoulder level; riding in heavy equipment; entering and exiting equipment using three-point contact; working at elevations or on elevated platforms; bending and stooping; lifting up to approximately 30-40 pounds; carrying PPE, survey equipment, laptops, tools, or sampling gear; climbing stairs, ladders, and equipment access points; and standing during meetings, inspections, and site observations.
Frequently (1/3-2/3 of the workday): Navigating active mining and construction areas; working around mobile equipment; walking across pit floors, waste dumps, slopes, and uneven or rocky terrain; driving light vehicles throughout the mine site, including distances of 10 or more miles per day; and sitting for engineering design, project planning, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, mine-planning software, and other computer-based work.
Constantly (2/3 or more of the workday): Using fine motor skills for computers, engineering software, GPS, and survey equipment; visual observation for hazard recognition and interpretation of plans and screens; hearing radio communications, alarms, and equipment; communicating with operators, supervisors, engineers, and contractors; maintaining depth perception around haul roads, highwalls, and other mine features; and maintaining situational awareness in an MSHA-regulated environment.