Engineering Manager - Samples Surface

Position Summary The Manager of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering functions supporting surface mining operations. This role ensures safe, compliant, and cost-effective mine planning and execution while advancing operational performance through modern engineering practices, technology, and talent development. The position serves as a key technical advisor to site and corporate leadership and acts as the primary interface with regulatory agencies. Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Engineering Leadership & Governance - Lead and oversee all engineering, surveying, geological, and mine planning functions for the surface mining complex. - Establish engineering standards, controls, and work processes aligned with company policies and regulatory requirements. - Serve as the responsible Professional Engineer for required permits, plans, certifications, and regulatory submittals. - Provide technical leadership for mine design, reserve development, and operational optimization initiatives. - Mine Planning & Technical Support - Develop and direct short-term, medium-term, and life-of-mine plans that optimize safety, productivity, reserve recovery, and cost performance. - Oversee pit design, sequencing, haul road design, spoil placement, highwall management, drainage systems, sediment control structures, and material handling systems. - Ensure accurate surveying, mapping, reserve estimation, and mine reconciliation in compliance with federal, state, and company standards. - Responsible for refuse construction, planning, required submittals, inspections, and certifications where applicable. - Direct the development and management of geologic information necessary to maintain customer coal quality requirements. - Support operations through equipment productivity analysis, drill-and-blast planning, and production optimization. - Regulatory, Safety & Environmental Compliance - Ensure full compliance with MSHA, state mining agencies, environmental regulations, and permit requirements. - Prepare and maintain mine permits, reclamation plans, drainage and sediment control plans, impoundment-related documentation, and other required regulatory submissions. - Ensure compliance with mine permit conditions and oversee engineering support for reclamation activities. - Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies and external consultants. - Support site safety initiatives and ensure engineering practices promote safe operating conditions. - Financial & Strategic Planning - Contribute to annual budgets, life-of-mine plans, and capital planning processes. - Develop production, recovery, equipment, and cost projections. - Evaluate reserves, equipment utilization, and operational performance to support strategic decisions. - Assist with month-end closeout activities, including stockpile surveys, tonnage reconciliation, mapping updates, operational statistics, and landowner reporting requirements. - Technology & Continuous Improvement - Leverage modern mine planning, surveying, GPS, drone, geological modeling, and data management technologies to improve operational outcomes. - Promote data-driven decision making and continuous improvement initiatives. - Evaluate emerging technologies and engineering best practices to enhance safety, productivity, and cost performance. - People Leadership & Development - Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, surveyors, geologists, environmental and technical staff. - Build a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. - Support succession planning and talent development within the engineering organization. Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related engineering discipline. - 5+ years of progressive surface mining experience, including experience in mine planning and engineering. - Registered Professional Engineer (PE) required. - Surface Mine Foreman Certification preferred. - MSHA-qualified impoundment inspector or ability to obtain required certification. - Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and resolve complex technical and operational issues. - Demonstrated proficiency with mine planning, surveying, and design software such as AutoCAD, Carlson Mining, or equivalent platforms. - Working knowledge of geologic modeling, reserve estimation, reclamation planning, environmental and mine permitting requirements. - Ability to leverage GIS, digital mapping, drone survey, volumetric analysis, data management, and analytics tools to support operational and regulatory decision making. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and reporting. - Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.