Contract Mining Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Owner's Field Representative

The Owner's Field Representative serves as USARE's primary on-site presence at the Round Top project. This is a long-term, career-track role that will evolve with the project — beginning with contractor oversight during the early works and pre-construction phase, and transitioning into full operational oversight of the mining contractor once production begins. The person in this role will be the owner's eyes and ears in the field at every stage of the project: from first dirt moved to steady-state mining operations.

This role requires strong field judgment, hands-on mining or construction experience, and the ability to manage contractor relationships with authority and credibility. No formal engineering degree is required, but deep operational knowledge and leadership presence are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Early Works & Pre-Construction Phase

• Monitor and oversee contractor field operations daily, including earthworks, access road construction, site grading, and prepared pad construction
• Verify that contractor work conforms to approved drawings, specifications, and project schedules
• Conduct daily field inspections and document observations, progress, and non-conformances
• Review and validate contractor quantity measurements for progress payment approval
• Enforce project Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards and MSHA regulations on site
• Maintain accurate daily field reports, photo documentation, and site logs
• Support mobilization logistics and site readiness activities

Mining Operations Phase (2028 onward)

• Serve as USARE's permanent on-site representative during active open-pit mining operations
• Oversee the mining contractor's day-to-day performance against production targets, schedules, and safety standards
• Review and approve contractor shift reports, production data, and equipment utilization records
• Monitor drill and blast (D&B) execution, load and haul cycles, and waste dump operations
• Identify operational inefficiencies, safety concerns, or contractor performance issues and escalate to the Director of Mining Engineering
• Act as the primary liaison between USARE project leadership and the contractor's site superintendent and management team
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contractor accountability throughout the life of mine

Throughout All Phases

• Attend daily and weekly contractor coordination meetings
• Report field status, risks, and issues promptly to the Director of Mining Engineering
• Build and maintain a strong, professional working relationship with the contractor's field leadership

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of field experience in open-pit mining or heavy earthworks construction
• Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors or subcontractors in a supervisory or field representative capacity
• Solid understanding of open-pit mining operations: drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and waste management
• Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and quantity measurement methods
• Working knowledge of MSHA regulations and site safety practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear daily field reports
• Willingness to be permanently based on-site in Sierra Blanca, TX

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on the owner's side of a mining or construction project
• Exposure to contract mining operations and contractor performance management
• Familiarity with earthworks and production payment reconciliation
• Experience with survey or quantity verification tools (drone-based, GPS, or similar)

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.

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.