Job Description
Company: Sawtooth Mining / North American Mining
Location: Orovada, Nevada, United States
Category: Mine Design and Planning
Job Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Experience Level: Senior-Level
Job Summary
Sawtooth Mining / North American Mining is seeking a Senior Mining/Project Engineer to support the Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, Nevada.
This role supports engineering duties for the planning, construction, and transition into production of a developmental surface lithium mine. The Senior Mining/Project Engineer will track production and construction activities, update short-range plans, support ore grade control, prepare equipment schedules, assist with long-term and annual planning, support construction projects, and provide technical input for environmental engineering and regulatory compliance work.
Key Responsibilities
- Track production and construction activities and compare performance to plan
- Update short-range plans to maintain project schedules
- Prepare equipment schedules to maximize efficiency
- Support ore grade control planning and scheduling to optimize efficiency while meeting customer quality requirements
- Plan and track waste streams from the plant as it transitions into production
- Assist in preparation of long-term plans and annual work plans, including monthly updates
- Prepare end-of-period material reconciliation reports
- Provide support to operations and maintenance departments as directed
- Design and oversee construction projects including buildings, concrete, and water management facilities
- Assist with engineering studies including operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations
- Provide technical support for environmental engineering projects related to mine permitting and regulatory compliance
- Support surface and groundwater management, soils handling, waste management, and blasting-related technical work
- Prepare progress reports and report variances against plan
- Perform duties in accordance with MSHA regulations, company safety procedures, and state and federal requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required
- 5-10 years of experience as a mining engineer in a surface mining operation required
- Experience with construction and/or project management desirable
- Advanced knowledge of computer applications required
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications required
- AutoCAD experience required
- Experience with project scheduling software such as Vulcan, Micromine Alastri, or similar required
- Knowledge of Fleet Management System reporting considered a plus
- Experience with geological modeling and mine planning software, including Vulcan, considered a plus
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with large earthmoving equipment in a surface mining environment
- Familiarity with budgeting and financial analysis desirable
- Knowledge of civil and environmental engineering applications, environmental regulations, and safety regulations
- Candidate should be based in or willing to relocate to Winnemucca, Nevada
Physical Requirements
- Occasionally kneel, crouch, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, climb, stand, and work at elevations or heights
- Occasionally lift up to 30-40 pounds, including core boxes, tools, and sampling gear
- Occasionally carry PPE kits, survey gear, laptops, and related field equipment
- Occasionally ride in or enter and exit heavy equipment using three-point contact
- Frequently navigate active mining areas, pit floors, waste dumps, benches, slopes, and uneven or rocky terrain
- Frequently drive light vehicles across the mine site, including long distances of at least 10 miles per day
- Frequently sit for engineering design, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, Vulcan, and Microsoft Office work
- Constantly use fine motor skills for typing, instruments, engineering software, GPS, and survey tools
- Use vision, hearing, communication, depth perception, and situational awareness in an MSHA-regulated mine environment
Why This Role Matters
This role supports the development and operational readiness of the Thacker Pass Lithium Clay Surface Mine by helping align production tracking, short-range planning, construction execution, grade control, material reconciliation, and engineering support for one of North America’s major critical minerals projects.
Apply
👉 Apply online: https://nacoal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/sawtoothmining/job/Winnemucca-NV/Mining-Project-Engineer_R-00760
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