Mine Engineer

Mine Engineer

Position Summary

The Mine Engineer supports the complex's engineering department in the planning, design, and execution of mining operations. This role is responsible for developing mine plans, maintaining engineering data and mapping, supporting regulatory compliance efforts, and providing technical analysis to improve safety, productivity, reserve recovery, and cost performance. The Mine Engineer works closely with operations, geology, surveying, safety, and maintenance personnel to ensure efficient and compliant mining activities. The position serves as a key technical resource for the mining operation and assists with the implementation of engineering initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Mine Planning & Engineering Support

• Assist in the development and maintenance of short-range, medium-range, and long-range mine plans.
• Prepare and update mine layouts, projections, production forecasts, and engineering drawings.
• Support ventilation planning, pillar design, roof control integration, mine drainage, pumping systems, and material handling infrastructure.
• Analyze mining conditions and operational performance to identify opportunities for improved productivity, efficiency, and reserve recovery.
• Monitor actual mine performance against approved plans and projections.
• Support capital project planning and implementation related to mining infrastructure and engineering projects.
• Assist with reserve calculations, mine recovery evaluations, and production forecasting activities.
• Support the development and maintenance of geologic information necessary to achieve production and coal quality objectives.

Surveying, Mapping & Data Management

• Maintain accurate mine maps, engineering records, and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Coordinate with surveying personnel to ensure accurate and timely survey data collection and reporting.
• Update and manage digital mine maps, engineering databases, and technical records.
• Assist with production reporting, reserve reconciliation, and operational statistics.
• Ensure engineering records are maintained and readily available for regulatory review and audits.

Regulatory, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of ventilation, roof control, dust control, water management, and other required regulatory plans.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with MSHA, state mining regulations, environmental requirements, and company policies.
• Support inspections, audits, and regulatory agency visits by providing engineering documentation and technical support.
• Participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses involving mining, geotechnical, or operational issues.
• Conduct field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and engineering standards.
• Promote and support a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout the operation.

Operational Support

• Provide daily technical support to operations personnel and mine management.
• Evaluate mining conditions and make recommendations to optimize mine performance.
• Assist in identifying operational constraints and developing practical engineering solutions.
• Prepare engineering reports, presentations, technical analyses, and recommendations for management review.
• Collaborate with operations, geology, maintenance, and safety departments to support business objectives and production goals.

Technology & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize mine planning, surveying, and engineering software to improve planning accuracy and operational effectiveness.
• Support data-driven decision making through analysis of production, cost, and engineering performance metrics.
• Assist with the implementation of new technologies, software systems, and engineering best practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, and cost reduction.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering or related engineering discipline required.

Experience

• 2+ years of mining engineering experience preferred.
• Underground coal mining experience preferred.

Certifications

• Certified WV Underground Miner.
• Certified WV Underground Mine Foreman preferred.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with mine planning and design software such as AutoCAD, Carlson, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of mine planning, surveying, mine mapping, ventilation systems, and reserve estimation principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to travel and work underground as required.
• Ability to conduct field inspections in active mining environments.
• Must be capable of meeting all site-specific training and physical requirements for mine access.
• Work environment includes both office and underground mining conditions.