Senior Mine Planning Engineer

Location: Sierra Blanca, TX

Department: 300-4000 - R&D

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.

About the Company

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.