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Mining Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rio Tinto

Engineer- Tailings & Water

Boron, CA · On-site

$126K/yr

Candidates with a Master's Degree from an ABET accredited university in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering will be highly regarded * Experience supporting GISTM compliance and tailings governance ...

Equinox Gold Corp.

Sr. Mine Engineer

Imperial, CA · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

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 ...

Western Mesquite Mines

Sr. Mine Engineer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

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 ...

10x Science (YC W26)

Founding Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

As a Founding Engineer, you will build core modules for a high-performance scientific computing platform, working closely with the founding team to create production software that significantly ...

Apple

Display Algorithm Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

Apple is looking for a Display Algorithm Engineer to drive the development of advanced display technologies. This role focuses on innovative display algorithms and machine learning models that ...

Energy Jobline CVL

Gas/Heating Engineer in Acton

Acton, CA · On-site

$250 - $280/day

Domestic Gas Heating Engineer Location: Acton & W3 Post codes Rate: £250 - £280 Per day Start Date: ASAP Employment Type: Temporary / Permanent opportunities available We are currently looking for ...

Navi AI

ML/AI Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Strong engineering fundamentals - you can build the infrastructure your models need, not just the models * You've worked with messy, real-world data and know how to build systems that are robust to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMining Engineer JobsMining Engineer Jobs in California

Mining Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$88K

$140.1K

How much do mining engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mining engineer in California is $88,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mining engineer?

Mining engineers are professionals who design, develop, and manage systems for extracting minerals from the earth safely, efficiently, and sustainably. They are involved in every stage of a mining project, from exploration and feasibility studies to mine design, operations, and closure. Mining engineers work to optimize the extraction process, ensure environmental compliance, and maintain the safety of workers and surrounding communities. Their expertise is critical in balancing economic, environmental, and technical factors in mining operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mining engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mining Engineer, you need a solid background in mining engineering principles, geology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or a related field. Familiarity with mining software such as Surpac, MineSight, or AutoCAD, and relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to safety help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient mine design, regulatory compliance, and safe, productive operations in complex mining environments.

What are some common challenges mining engineers face when working on-site, and how can they prepare for them?

Mining Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to remote or harsh work environments, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety regulations, and balancing productivity targets with environmental sustainability. Effective communication and collaboration with geologists, equipment operators, and environmental specialists are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Preparing by gaining hands-on experience, staying current with safety protocols, and developing strong problem-solving skills can help Mining Engineers succeed and adapt to dynamic site conditions.

What is the difference between Mining Engineer vs Geologist?

AspectMining EngineerGeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mining Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Geology or Earth Sciences, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentMining sites, construction sites, engineering officesResearch labs, field sites, environmental agencies
Industry UsageDesigning and managing mining operations, ensuring safety and efficiencyStudying earth materials, assessing mineral deposits, environmental impact

Mining Engineers focus on planning, designing, and managing mining operations, ensuring safety and efficiency. Geologists analyze earth materials and assess mineral deposits. While both roles work closely in the mining industry, Mining Engineers handle the operational side, whereas Geologists focus on exploration and analysis.

Are mining engineers paid well?

Mining engineers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their technical expertise and the demanding nature of the industry. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, with many earning above average wages for engineering roles. Additionally, benefits such as bonuses and overtime can contribute to overall compensation.

How much do mining engineers get paid?

Mining engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Higher salaries are common in regions with active mining operations and for those with specialized skills or advanced certifications.

What do you do as a mining engineer?

A mining engineer designs, plans, and oversees the extraction of minerals from underground or surface mines. They evaluate geological data, develop safety procedures, and use specialized tools and software to optimize mining operations. The role often requires knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards.
More about Mining Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mining Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Mining Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Mining Engineer jobs in California?

For Mining Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mining Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mining Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mining Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mining Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Mining Engineer jobs in CA?

For Mining Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Mining Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mining Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,015 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Engineer- Tailings & Water

Boron, CA • On-site

Rio Tinto
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Rio Tintoexternal

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Rio Tinto rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Tailings & Water Engineer - Rio Tinto Borates and Lithium
  • Join our global leading business offering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities
  • Permanent employment which includes a huge range of additional benefits
  • Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion - Boron, California
  • For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $92-240 - $126,830

About the role
We are looking for a Tailings & Water Engineer to join our team. Working with site operations and having access to Rio Tinto Experts, you will be responsible for providing technical support to site and project teams ensuring the safe and efficient operation of tailings and water storage facilities. You will collaborate with site leadership teams to ensure tailings storage facility integrity is maintained and the operations of tailings storage facilities is in accordance with the design intent and operational plan.
Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates, remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.
Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California's Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872. The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on
as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement. For more information about Borax and its world-class operations, please visit http://www.borax.com
This role is a great opportunity for a self-motivated Engineer to see immediate results in plant efficiency, output and quality improvements as well as project implementation improvements. Reporting to the Process Principal Advisor, you will be:
  • Managing day-to-day operations of the Tailings Ponds
  • Operating/managing the facilities in accordance with the design intent
  • Conducting drone-based photogrammetry, thermal, and LiDAR scans, with willingness to obtain a UAV FAA Part 107 certification
  • Develop and maintain GoldSim models for tailings and water management
  • Keeping D5 Nominated Manager and Responsible Dam Engineer informed of the performance of the facilities
  • Reporting on all D5 Standard related incidents
  • Upkeep of OMS (Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance) Manual
  • Accountable for arranging collection, evaluation, and reporting of monitoring data as per the OMS Manual
  • Responsible, alongside the Responsible Dam Engineer, for liaising with the Engineer of Record, Designer of Record, Projects, HSEC, legal, communities and social performance and regulatory affairs and environment teams
  • Responsible for the monitoring system and communication of the results to the EoR, including performance reviews
  • Responsible for the implementation of a change management system
  • Support with compliance with Rio Tinto's Standards with an emphasis on Tailings and Water Storage Facility Risk Management
  • Have experience, knowledge, and competencies appropriate to the complexity of the facility and consequence classification
  • Have experience undertaking scoping of studies, site investigations and risk management for tailings facilities
  • Routinely communicate with the site management team on important tailings pond safety matters
  • Work with fixed plant personnel to reduce tailings and conserve water
  • Responsible for short-term planning of facilities by use of a quantitative model and weekly maintenance meetings
  • Supporting medium-, and long-term planning with Responsible Dam Engineer
  • Participate in internal and external Tailings Audits
  • Participate in regulatory visits and inspections to Tailings Ponds
  • Assist Environmental team with Water, Air, and Land Compliance with Pond Operations
  • Managing contractors with routine maintenance and site studies of the Ponds
  • Responsible for minor improvement projects of the Ponds

What you'll bring
To succeed in this highly visible leadership role you will need:
  • Bachelor's degree qualification in a relevant engineering subject (geotechnical, civil, chemical) from ABET accredited university
  • Candidates with a Master's Degree from an ABET accredited university in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering will be highly regarded
  • Experience supporting GISTM compliance and tailings governance requirements is required
  • Experience with tailings facility operations, surveillance, instrumentation monitoring, drone-based inspections, regulatory compliance, contractor coordination, and risk management
  • You will have experience on site, liaising with interdisciplinary stakeholders
  • Program, project or client management experience
  • A proactive approach to learning and development, open to collaborating in a team environment
  • Excellent Communication skills both written and verbal
  • Valid Driver's License
  • EIT preferred

What we offer
Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress
  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
  • Attractive share ownership plan
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges

Where you'll be working
Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world's demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1872.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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