Head of Resource Characterization

Who we are:

We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution.  Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G. 


We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States’ first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based “mine-to-magnet” critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries.


What you can expect:

At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:


Build Solutions: If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways.


Deliver Quality: When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.


Lead responsibly: We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.


Win Together: Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking – and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.


Role Overview

The Head of Resource Characterization will lead the geological and resource modeling efforts for the Round Top rare earth elements project, ensuring the geological foundation required for a robust Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and future development. This includes managing drilling programs, updating and validating the block model, interfacing with metallurgy and mine planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role also provides technical support to corporate growth initiatives, including due diligence on property acquisitions.

 

Key Responsibilities

Resource Model & Database

·      Audit and update the current block model; define domains and morphology of the Round Top deposit.

·      Oversee geoscience database management, ensuring data integrity, security, and auditability.

·      Implement and enforce QA/QC protocols across drilling, sampling, assays, and data entry.

 

Exploration & Drilling

·      Design and manage drilling campaigns to close gaps in confidence and continuity.

·      Integrate downhole geophysics, wireline logs, and core data into the geological model, as appropriate.

 

Mine Development Integration

·      Provide geologic inputs for early mine design and sequencing studies.

·      Interface and foster collaborative relationships with mine engineering to ensure domains and ore variability are incorporated into mine development planning.

 

Metallurgy & Flowsheet Support

·      Lead mineralogical analyses to inform metallurgical test work and flowsheet design.

·      Interface and foster collaborative relationships with processing and EPC partners to align geology with metallurgy.

 

Team Leadership

·      Advocates and demonstrates a safety culture for employees and contractors, enforcing compliance with all regulatory and industry safety and environmental standards.

·      Build, manage, and mentor the geology team as the company scales.

·      Set technical standards, work processes, and training programs.

 

Acquisition & Growth Support

·      Conduct geological due diligence for potential acquisitions (domestic and international).

·      Provide resource/reserve assessments for investment decisions.

 

Compliance & Standards

·      Deliver all work to SK-1300 and NI 43-101 standards.

·      Prepare technical reports, PFS inputs, and board/executive briefings.

 

Qualifications

·      Minimum BSc in geology, MSc/PhD in geology preferred.

·      8+ years in resource modeling, geologic analysis, and drilling programs; experience with PEA/PFS/FS deposits.

·      Strong expertise with modeling software (Leapfrog, Minescape, Vulcan, etc.). 

·      Proven leadership experience managing geology teams.

·      Knowledge of mineralogy/metallurgy integration.

·      Critical mineral experience, particularly with rare earth elements, is an asset.

·      Due diligence and acquisition evaluation experience is an asset.

·      Effective communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

300 - Mine

Sierra Blanca, TX

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