Senior Mine Planning Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train and mentor the team of  graduates and interns
• Develop and support the execution of mine designs and plans for the Mining operations
• Lead by example – Seek opportunities to systematically support efforts in leading and improving safety in all areas of the operation
• Monitor, track and report operational execution against mine plans. Highlight deviations to the plan and identify opportunities to catch up or exceed the plan
• Manage and oversee all contractors’ activities related to the Mine Engineering
• Design and optimize open pit and mine layouts, including haul roads, ramps, stopes, and sequencing
• Ensure all mine plans comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental guidelines
• Collaborate closely with exploration, operations/mining contractors, permitting, and other site teams to align plans and ensure successful execution
• Support and manage engineering consultants on studies as required
• Monitor mine performance and reconcile actual results against plan; identify variances and implement improvements
• Conduct economic evaluations, cost analysis, and productivity assessments
• Mentor and supervise junior mine engineers and technical staff
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and life-of-mine planning activities and capital projects
• Implement and maintain mine planning software and systems
• Develop mine planning processes and procedures
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of open pit mining experience with expertise in mine planning, optimization, and operations.
• Proficiency with mine planning software such as Deswik and Vulcan, with a strong understanding of drill and blast, geotechnical engineering, and mine economics.
• Working knowledge of U.S. mining regulations, including MSHA standards, and a demonstrated commitment to safe mining practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills with the ability to evaluate both short- and long-term impacts of mine planning decisions.
• Proven leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to build credibility, mentor teams, and support organizational priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote site environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail, operational awareness, and efficiency.

Work Environment 

This is a full-time, permanent position based on-site at Round Top Mountain, Sierra Blanca, TX, in an outdoor desert environment with exposure to heat, dust, and remote conditions. The role grows with the project through construction and into full mining operations, with occasional travel required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities

USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability, please contact Human Resources, hr@usare.com, to discuss reasonable accommodations.