
Mining Engineer
USA Rare Earth and the Serra Verde Group are building the world's leading rare earth enterprise: a pioneering global advanced materials company that excels at every stage of the value chain, from the earth to the magnet and beyond, deploying that expertise with courage, integrity and an uncompromising commitment to responsible practice. We will be the partner of choice for nations, industries and communities that depend on a secure, sustainable supply of the rare earths and other critical materials and derivative technologies that power the modern world.
The Critical Elements of Progress - Delivered Responsibly - At Global Scale.
The world is being remade. New energy systems are augmenting old ones. New technologies are redefining what is possible in every aspect of our lives. And at the heart of this transformation are the rare earths and other critical elements we produce. We exist to supply these materials. Responsibly. Reliably. At Scale. Across the World.
We command the full value chain — and we configure it with precision to reliably serve the needs of growing global and local markets alike. Our people bring world-class technology and deep operational know-how to every step of that chain, ensuring the materials we deliver are produced at scale to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility. We take that responsibility seriously. We build supply chains that are secure, transparent, diversified and resilient. We create lasting value for our shareholders, our employees, our communities and the societies in whose success we share.
Our organizational model is based on the principle of clear accountability and the creation of entrepreneurial enclaves which define business units reflecting the natural components of our supply chain. Each Business Unit retains a profit motive and the responsibly to deliver shareholder returns. However, this cannot occur at the expense of overall Group value.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Mining Engineer II supports mine operations, including short- and medium-range mine planning, ore control, equipment scheduling, mine surveying, and geotechnical monitoring. The role provides technical guidance and support to the Mining Department and other departments as required, and contributes to the engineering studies that move the Round Top project toward production.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the creation, refinement, and implementation of short mine plans, including material sequence, metal delivery, access planning, pit design, shot muck inventory, blast design, dump sequencing, and leach pad loading.
- Plan ore grade control and scheduling to ensure quality requirements are met.
- Work with Mining Operations to develop short-range plans that maintain project schedules.
- Monitor and manage day-to-day mining activities, ensuring daily and weekly production targets are met safely.
- Chair daily, weekly, and monthly mine plan discussions to ensure all departments are aligned and bought in.
- Reconcile daily production against plan (tonnes, grade, and waste) and report variances.
- Coordinate or complete mine surveying activities and other Field Engineering assignments, and plan site surveys to validate material movement and confirm construction work follows the plan.
- Plan and track waste streams from the processing plant as the project transitions into production.
- Assist in engineering studies, including operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations.
- Write and contribute to technical study reports, and present results professionally to leadership and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with geology, geotechnical, drill-and-blast, processing, and infrastructure teams to integrate mining work into the overall project.
- Support incident investigations and root cause analysis related to mining operations, and implement preventive actions.
- Perform all duties in accordance with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations, company safety procedures, and state and federal requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including productivity and cost reduction proposals.
- Prepared to lead on-site control, execution, and field delivery with a hands-on approach.
- Perform other duties as assigned or as needed to support project objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of responsible mining engineering experience, including work at a surface mining operation or supervision experience is beneficial.
- Experience with construction and/or project management is desirable.
- Advanced proficiency with mine design, planning, and scheduling software, preferably Deswik, or similar packages.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD.
- Familiarity with the application of large earthmoving equipment in a surface mining environment.
- Understanding of the key components of a successful mining operation, including processing, tailings, and infrastructure.
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to operate four-wheel-drive light vehicles.
- Willingness to travel between the project site and corporate offices, and to remote locations when required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with heap leach operations
- Experience with drone and photogrammetry data for volume control and reconciliation.
- Experience with root cause analysis methods (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams).
- Experience during a mine startup or ramp-up phase.
- MSHA certification.
CULTURE & CORE ATTRIBUTES
- Build a team environment where employees and contractors feel respected, contribute ideas, and speak openly about concerns.
- Work collaboratively across crews, shifts, and departments, sharing information, supporting coworkers, and putting the overall team’s success first.
- Lead by example with honesty, accountability, and follow-through; recognize others’ contributions, welcome feedback, and address challenges constructively.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Location: Sierra Blanca, Texas (project site), with travel as required.
- Field environment with exposure to extreme weather and dust.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) required at all times.
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 accommodation 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 corporation.
USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities.
All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require assistance with the application process due to a disability, please contact people@usare.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.
300 - Mining (Upstream)
Sierra Blanca, TX
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