Mine Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Come build your career at Mesquite — Equinox Gold's first-ever operating mine and a proud cornerstone of our story since 2018. Nestled in the sunny desert of Imperial County, California, this open-pit gold mine has been running strong since 1986 and has produced over five million ounces of gold and counting. With production expected to continue for years to come, Mesquite offers the stability of a proven operation alongside real opportunities to grow, learn, and make your mark.

Equinox Gold is a growth-focused gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating a diversified portfolio of high-quality, long-life mines across the Americas. Guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and teamwork, we foster a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace where a talented, experienced team works together to deliver reliable operations, responsible mining, and long-term value to its shareholders and host communities

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Mining Engineer plays a vital part in leading and supporting the engineering and survey teams.  The successful candidate will drive the development, planning and execution of the Mesquite mine, and be a key factor between the long-term and short-term planning functions.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Health and Safety

• Knows responsibilities related to WMMI’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
• Learns and administers all company and legislated policies and procedures
• Contributes to the department’s health and safety goals and objectives
• Responds to safety concerns and/or unsafe conditions, and takes corrective action, or seeks assistance in doing so

Environment

• Knows responsibilities related to WMMI’s Environmental Management System (EMS)
• Contributes to the department’s environmental goals and objectives
• Ensures department activities prevent or mitigate the effects of pollution
• Responds to environmental concerns and takes corrective action, or seeks assistance  in doing so
• Follows company standards and guidelines for spill reporting and response

Departmental

• Utilizes planning software for mine design, mine planning, dump and leach pad design.
• Utilizes planning software to estimate economic pit shells for design and reporting reserves/resources.
• Identify planning and operational constraints during the business planning cycle.
• Create, review and evaluate life of mine plans during the yearly business planning cycle.
• Review and understand yearly cost variances for the business planning cycle.
• Leads engineering projects related to the mine/company.
• Reviews and reports end of month production statistics and reconcile actual vs budget variations.
• Assist with daily reporting and production communication to ensure mine plans are being followed.
• Assist and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Keeps up with current trends related to mine design software and integrates this information into work assignments and methodology.
• Maintains effective communication between departments.
• Knowledge of block model coding to assist with model manipulation for engineering variables.
• Assist in reclamation planning as needed. 
• Assist with daily reporting and production communication to ensure mine plans are being followed.
• Assist and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Keeps up with current trends related to mine design software and integrates this information into work assignments and methodology.
• Maintains effective communication between departments.
• Knowledge of block model coding to assist with model manipulation for engineering variables.
• Assist in reclamation planning as needed.

Cost Control & Communication 

• Manages spending within approved budget
• Maintains effective information exchange with relevant departments

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Relevant Experience
• 7+ years of mining experience, preferably in conventional truck/shovel open pit operation
• Working knowledge of Mineplan preferred
• Working knowledge of survey equipment
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational skills
• Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems
• Ability to prepare accurate records and reports
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with internal and external contacts
• MS Office Suite

WorkingConditions:
Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities, leach pads, maintenance areas, and office environments. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions associated with a desert climate, including high heat, cold temperatures, wind, dust, and occasional precipitation or flash flooding. Depending on the role, work areas may involve proximity to large mobile equipment, moving mechanical parts, blasting activities, noise, vibration, diesel exhaust fumes, chemicals, fuels, oils, airborne particles, or other industrial hazards typical of mining operations. Outdoor work on uneven or rough terrain is common for many roles. Employees may encounter desert wildlife and native plant life. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as determined by job duties, task hazards, and work location. PPE includes, but is not limited to, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other PPE as determined by job task and location.

Physical Demands:
Manual dexterity; handling and grasping; fingering and fine motor skills; speaking clearly; hearing in speech, radio, and environmental ranges; seeing, reading, and comprehension; near and distant vision; depth perception. While performing job responsibilities, employees must be able to communicate effectively and maintain situational awareness in an active mining environment. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, crouching, or working on uneven surfaces. Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, controls, or computer systems is required. Specific physical demand requirements will be provided during the interview process. Employees may be required to work while wearing the required PPE, including respiratory and hearing protection. These requirements are representative, but not all‑inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.

The salary range for this position is from $113,000.00 to $149,600.00.

Key Benefits Provided:

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock potential for growth and progression with a top mining company
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive pay coupled with bonus incentives
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Benefit from a company-matched program designed to support your long-term financial security
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Access extensive medical, dental, and vision plans for your health and well-being
• Paid Time Off: Maintain a healthy work-life balance

We thank all candidates for their applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EOE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.