Senior Project Mining Engineer

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.