1

Mining Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Area Operations Manager

Thornton, IL · On-site

$136K - $181K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mining/Engineering, Operations/Industrial Management, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered * 7+ years of operations leadership experience in aggregates ...

Bachelor's degree in Mining/Engineering, Operations/Industrial Management, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered * 7+ years of operations leadership experience in aggregates ...

Mechanical Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... engineering staff supporting the development, validation, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement of large off-highway equipment used in construction, mining, earthmoving, and industrial ...

Mechanical Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... engineering staff supporting the development, validation, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement of large off-highway equipment used in construction, mining, earthmoving, and industrial ...

Showing results 21-40

Mining Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$86.4K

$137.6K

How much do mining engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for mining engineering in Illinois is $86,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mining engineering?

A Mining Engineering job involves designing, developing, and overseeing the safe and efficient extraction of minerals from the earth. Mining engineers assess mine feasibility, plan excavation processes, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. They work with geologists, technicians, and site managers to optimize mining operations. Their responsibilities may also include mine reclamation and sustainability planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in mining engineering?

Mining Engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mining engineering or a related field, coupled with strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Familiarity with specialized software such as AutoCAD, Surpac, or MineSight, as well as certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license, is highly beneficial. Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing onsite personnel. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient mining operations, ensuring safety, and successfully navigating the complexities of the mining industry.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for mining engineers?

Mining Engineers often start in entry-level roles overseeing specific aspects of mine operations or conducting fieldwork and can progress to senior engineering positions, project management, or mine superintendent roles. With experience, many move into specialized areas such as mine planning, safety management, or environmental sustainability. Some Mining Engineers also transition to consultancy or corporate management, depending on their interests and expertise. Continuous professional development, industry certifications, and gaining hands-on experience are key factors in advancing your career in this field.

Are mining engineers in high demand?

Mining engineers are generally in steady demand due to ongoing need for mineral extraction and resource development, especially in regions with active mining industries. Employment opportunities often depend on commodity prices, technological advancements, and environmental regulations, with skills in geology, safety, and equipment operation being valuable. Job prospects can vary based on economic conditions and geographic location.

How much money do mining engineers make?

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. They often work in environments requiring knowledge of geology, safety protocols, and engineering software.

What type of work do mining engineers do?

Mining engineers design, develop, and supervise the extraction of minerals from underground or surface mines. They plan mining operations, ensure safety standards, and optimize processes using tools like CAD software and geological data. Their work involves site assessment, equipment management, and compliance with environmental regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mining Engineering jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Mining Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Mining Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,421 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Area Operations Manager

Heidelberg Materials

Thornton, IL • On-site

$136K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Heidelberg Materials rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

Line of Business: Service & Support
Pay Range: $136,030.00 - $181,363.32
About Us
Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 9,000 employees.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead safe, efficient operations across multiple aggregates sites, ensuring consistent execution of safety and operating standards
  • Deliver production, quality, and customer service targets through effective planning, daily management routines, and performance coaching
  • Ensure MSHA, DOT, and environmental compliance; partner with EHS on inspections, audits, training, and corrective action closure
  • Drive equipment reliability and maintenance execution, including outage coordination, downtime prioritization, and PM compliance
  • Own cost per ton performance through budget management, variance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives

What Are We Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Mining/Engineering, Operations/Industrial Management, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered
  • 7+ years of operations leadership experience in aggregates/mining or related heavy industrial operations; multi-site leadership preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of MSHA and a demonstrated ability to lead safety culture and regulatory compliance
  • Experience managing budgets and cost drivers; ability to improve productivity, reliability, and cost per ton
  • Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to develop teams and lead change

Conditions of Employment
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check

  • Some positions require FMCSA-regulated ongoing drug and alcohol testing

Work Environment
  • Must be willing to travel regularly within the assigned area (typically 50%-75%), mostly day trips and occasional overnight trips.

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary and participation in our annual incentive plan $136,030-$181,363
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with an automatic company contribution as well as matching contributions
  • Highly competitive benefits programs, including:
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision along with Prescription Drug Benefits
    • Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage as well as Basic Life Insurance
    • Paid Bonding Leave, 15 days of Paid Vacation, 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave and 10 Paid Holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority / Female / Veteran / Disabled

What Heidelberg Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom