Mine Engineer

The Walnut Creek Coal Mine is a prominent surface coal mine featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including an 80-cubic-yard dragline, a 29-cubic-yard mass excavator, a 24-cubic-yard hydraulic backhoe, and a fleet of 150-ton end-dump trucks. The captive lignite operation produces over 2 million tons annually and uses a blending program to ensure consistent-quality fuel for a 308-megawatt power plant.

Opportunity Summary

The Mine Engineer will be integral in driving production optimization and ensuring strict adherence to safety standards at Walnut Creek Mining Company. This role involves creating and executing strategic production plans, managing GPS design files, and leveraging advanced drone technology for accurate data collection to enhance mine planning and operational performance. By fostering cross-departmental collaboration and championing continuous improvement, the Mine Engineer will play a crucial role in achieving production targets while upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Your scope of responsibility as Mine Engineer includes the following primary functions:

• Perform all work in strict compliance with the Walnut Creek Mining Company Safety Handbook, prioritizing safety at all times.
• Participate in Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) to assess work area conditions, identify potential hazards, and implement controls before starting work.
• Communicate through radio, email, Teams, and phone systems in accordance with FCC and Walnut Creek Mining Company requirements to support effective coordination and information sharing.
• Uphold NAES values and standards to maintain a safe, healthy, and clean work environment.
• Develop, implement, and communicate biweekly mine plans that optimize production and meet budget and forecast KPIs.
• Maintain and communicate weekly soil sampling maps and databases to support production optimization and permit compliance.
• Support the development and communication of designs associated with biweekly mine plans.
• Manage GPS design files, ensuring each device contains only active, current designs to minimize errors and improve field accuracy.
• Conduct and process weekly and monthly drone surveys to provide accurate aerial data for mine planning and operational decisions.
• Update the equipment sheet database to ensure accurate documentation of mining activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and optimize operations through innovative approaches and continuous improvement.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure operational and production plans are realistic, informed, and achievable.
• Compile and report weekly and monthly mine production statistics, including material production, equipment availability, and utilization, providing stakeholders with production reports and KPI analyses.
• Coordinate biweekly mine planning, KPI, and production performance meetings to review progress, analyze metrics, and resolve issues affecting production.
• Provide field surveying support and perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships 

The Mine Engineer reports to the Mine Engineering Manager and may also take direction from the Mine Manager.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include prolonged standing and walking on uneven, rough, or inclined surfaces; climbing stairs, ladders, and equipment; and working at heights or in confined locations. Frequent lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials or tools weighing up to 50 pounds is expected.

Coal mining environments may include underground or surface settings, confined spaces, low-clearance areas, and restricted pathways. Work may require crawling, kneeling, or stooping in tight quarters, with exposure to coal dust, fumes, vibration, high noise levels, moisture, extreme temperatures, and low-light conditions. Outdoor or remote work may involve changing weather conditions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include hard hats, safety glasses or goggles, steel-toed boots, respiratory and hearing protection, gloves (including hot- and cut-resistant), flame-resistant clothing (FRC), and fall protection harnesses. Respirator fit testing may be required. Strict no-smoking policies apply in and around the mine site and designated work zones.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Mine Engineer works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule. This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and mine conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in offsite meetings.

Compensation 

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $73,200 to $115,200 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Engineering Qualifications and Technical Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in mining Engineering or a related field is required. Relevant work experience may substitute education on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred experience of 0 to 3 years in mine engineering, particularly in surface mining or heavy industrial operations.
• Familiarity with mine surveying, including fieldwork and data processing using scanners, drones, and related tools.
• Basic knowledge of mine planning, civil design, and production tracking gained through academic projects, internships, or early career roles.
• Proficiency with mine planning and reporting software such as AutoCAD, Carlson, and Vulcan; familiarity with Trimble, Pix4D, DJI, and Wingtra surveying systems; and skills in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Understanding of MSHA regulations and environmental and regulatory standards related to mine reclamation and compliance.
• Ability to support surveying activities, including data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address operational challenges, contribute to technical reports, and provide data-driven recommendations under supervision.
• Knowledge of financial principles applicable to operational planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members, supervisors, stakeholders, and cross-functional site and corporate personnel.
• Effective organizational skills to balance multiple responsibilities, including short-range mine planning, production tracking, budget support, and regulatory compliance.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.