The posting
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
