Mine Engineer, Senior

Position Title: Senior Mine Engineer

Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 

Travel Required: International travel expected (35-55% annually)

Job Description

Hecla Limited seeks an accomplished Senior Mining Engineer to join our Technical Services team, providing strategic leadership and technical expertise across our mining operations. This role demands exceptional technical competency, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in mine planning, design optimization, and engineering analysis, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement initiatives across our portfolio of underground and surface mining operations.

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Design

• Lead development and execution of comprehensive life-of-mine plans and strategic mine designs for both underground and surface operations
• Generate detailed financial evaluations and economic models using advanced mine planning software (Surpac, Whittle, MineSched, Deswik, Vulcan, Datamine)
• Conduct feasibility studies, scoping analyses, fatal flaw assessments, and comprehensive due diligence studies for new projects and expansion opportunities
• Optimize mine layouts considering resource extraction efficiency, safety protocols, operational costs, and environmental impact mitigation
• Develop and maintain mine production schedules, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market conditions

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

• Lead and mentor a team of experienced mining engineers and technical professionals
• Provide technical guidance and training to site-based short-range planning groups during project startup and execution phases
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including geology, metallurgy, environmental, and operations personnel
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the engineering organization

Operations Support and Optimization

• Provide comprehensive technical support to operating mines to enhance performance and resolve complex engineering challenges
• Monitor and analyze mine production methods and rates to assess operational effectiveness and identify optimization opportunities
• Investigate efficiency improvements and justify capital projects through comprehensive trade-off evaluations and economic analysis
• Review and provide constructive feedback on current site practices, recommending cost-effective improvements
• Estimate mine costs and implement advanced financial techniques to explain variances, evaluate projects, and prioritize resource allocation

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Required: Engineering degree in mining or related field
• Preferred: Master's degree in Mining Engineering or related technical discipline
• Strongly Preferred: Professional Engineer (P.E. or P. Eng license)
• Valuable: QP qualification in mining engineering

Experience Requirements

• Minimum: 10-15 years of progressive experience in strategic mine planning and design
• Required: 5 years of direct operational mine experience
• Preferred: Experience across multiple commodity types and mining methods
• Valuable: Previous supervisory or team leadership experience

Technical Competencies

Software Proficiency

• Expert-level: Advanced proficiency in mine planning software (Surpac, Whittle, Deswik, Vulcan, Datamine, etc). 
• Programming capabilities (Python, VBA, SQL) highly regarded
• Advanced: Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Excel for financial modeling
• Beneficial: AutoCAD, GIS applications, statistical analysis software

Engineering Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of surface and underground mining engineering practices
• Experience with mine equipment selection, capital cost estimation, and operating cost analysis
• Comprehensive cost modeling and project evaluation experience
• Study management for technical and permitting purposes (PFS, FS)

Professional Attributes

• Strong commitment to safety principles and safety culture leadership
• Self-directed with exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated analytical, creative problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to prioritize competing demands in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Flexibility and adaptability to travel internationally and work with diverse cultures
• Sensitivity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Proven ability to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure