Head of Mining Engineering

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.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Mine Engineering to join our upstream business unit. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Mining and Processing, this role will initially focus on mine design, Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) contributions, and support for pilot and demonstration projects, including our heap leach demo. As the Round Top project advances toward production, the position will evolve to encompass full responsibility for mine operations, including team building, scaling operations, and oversight of day-to-day mining activities. This is a key leadership role in a lean, dynamic team environment, requiring a hands-on leader who can transition from strategic planning to operational execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Early-Stage Focus (PFS and Pilot Support):

- Lead mine planning efforts for the PFS, including pit optimization, sequencing, scheduling, and resource integration with geology and resource characterization teams.

- Collaborate with the EPCM lead author, processing team, and project management to provide technical inputs on mine design, equipment selection, and cost modeling.

- Support pilot and demo initiatives, such as heap leach design and operations planning, to ensure alignment with flow sheet development and oxide production goals for downstream qualification.

- Conduct economic evaluations and risk assessments for mining scenarios, incorporating data from resource models and upstream acquisition opportunities.

- Oversee the use of mine planning software (e.g., Vulcan, Leap Frog, or equivalent) to develop accurate models and simulations.

Long-Term Focus (Operations and Team Scaling):

- Assume responsibility for mine operations as the project moves to Feasibility Study (FS) and construction phases, including contractor management, fleet operations, and production optimization.

- Build and lead a mining operations team, starting from a small group (2-3 engineers) and scaling to full operational staffing, with emphasis on training, safety, and efficiency.

- Develop and implement operational strategies for sustainable REE extraction, including waste management, water usage, and compliance with Texas regulations.

- Drive continuous improvement in mining processes, integrating data from processing and geology to enhance recovery rates and reduce costs.

- Support upstream acquisition efforts by evaluating potential REE deposits for additional oxide supply.

General Duties:

- Ensure all activities align with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards, collaborating with the permitting specialist and HSE manager.

- Foster cross-functional collaboration across processing, project management, and downstream divisions to meet oxide delivery timelines.

- Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, investors, and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

- 8+ years of experience in mine planning and operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

- Proven track record in open-pit mining, heap leach operations, or similar extractive processes; experience with REE or critical minerals projects is highly desirable.

- Proficiency in mine planning software and tools (e.g., Leap Frog or Vulcan).

- Strong understanding of PFS/FS processes, economic modeling, and regulatory compliance in the U.S. mining sector (MSHA).

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build teams in a startup-like environment.

- Willingness to work in a lean organization, handling both strategic and tactical tasks.

Preferred Skills

- Familiarity with REE-specific challenges, such as variable ore grades and integration with hydrometallurgical processing.

- Experience in pilot-to-production scaling, including demo plant support.

- Knowledge of sustainable mining practices and ESG reporting.

- Professional certifications (e.g., PE in Mining Engineering) are a plus.

Work Environment

The work environment will be a mix of a typical laboratory environment, mining site, and construction site.

Noise level:

Exposure will vary and include normal office noise, typical laboratory sounds (e.g., ventilation systems, equipment operation), mine site noises, and construction site noise depending on project phase and location.

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.