Senior Underground Mine Engineer

About the role

The owns the end-to-end mine design for the Mingomba project, driving engineering analyses that enable safer and higher-value mining decisions. This position coordinates the strategy and execution of mine design in strict alignment with the project development plans while collaborating closely with operations teams to ensure practical implementation. The role leverages technical expertise to translate subsurface uncertainty into buildable plans, balancing geology, geotechnics, and infrastructure constraints. The engineer will synthesize feedback from geological and geotechnical modeling teams to keep designs current with the evolving understanding of conditions. They will support the engineering of both surface and underground facilities to ensure seamless integration with mining systems. All project activities are managed under KoBold's rigorous Project Management standards to control scope, schedule, and deliverables with consistency. The position provides internal technical guidance and mentors junior staff to build organizational capability and ensure the quality of all output. Finally, the role identifies, develops, and implements value engineering opportunities to improve project performance, cost-efficiency, and operational safety.

Key facts

What you'll do

Sequencing and scheduling of mining operations are defined and optimized using the Deswik software suite to meet aggressive project timelines and operational targets.

Detailed design of the Mingomba underground mine translates complex resource models into detailed, buildable plans that account for geological variability and constraints.

Engineering trade-off studies compare multiple design and cost alternatives to identify solutions that optimize safety, value, and operational efficiency.

Feedback is provided to geological and geotechnical modeling teams to ensure that designs accurately reflect current site conditions and understanding.

Surface and underground facilities engineering is supported to integrate infrastructure such as shafts, conveyors, and processing plants with mining systems.

KoBold's Project Management standards are applied rigorously to control all aspects of projects, from scoping to execution and close-out.

Internal technical guidance is offered to cross-functional teams, and junior staff are mentored to build technical capability and ensure quality output.

Value engineering opportunities are identified, developed, and implemented to improve project performance, reduce risk, and optimize capital efficiency.

Staff growth and professional development are supported through structured mentoring, knowledge sharing sessions, and targeted skill-building activities.

Additional duties are performed as required to respond to evolving business priorities, project constraints, and unforeseen site conditions.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related discipline is required for the role, providing the foundational technical knowledge for mine planning.

A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in underground mine planning, design, and scheduling is mandatory to ensure proficiency in complex environments.

EIZ Certification is preferred when available, as it demonstrates a recognized standard of professional competence in the field.

Experience working with multiple mining consultants is required to navigate diverse project environments and adapt to varying methodologies.

Strong technical writing skills are required for preparing clear, accurate, and concise technical reports that communicate complex information effectively.

Organizational, analytical, and strategic planning skills are demonstrated through successful involvement in complex projects with competing priorities.

Proficiency with mine planning, design, and scheduling software such as MineScape, MineSight 3D, Vulcan, Surpac, Deswik, Datamine, Gemcom, Mine 2-4D, and EPS is required to execute duties at the required level.

Effective interpersonal communication is needed when conveying intricate technical ideas to both engineering and non-engineering audiences, including stakeholders and regulators.

Self-leadership and interpersonal skills enable persuasive, tactful interaction with clients, regulators, project managers, and staff at all levels of the organization.

Independent work is required, with the ability to guide junior team members while maintaining strict QA/QC standards in all deliverables.

Critical review of documents and preparation of high-complexity technical deliverables and plans are performed consistently to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Critical thinking and problem-solving are applied to analyze testing results, collate data from various sources, and select economical, logical solutions.

Direction is given assertively to subcontractors and field teams to ensure safe, efficient, and timely completion of assigned tasks.

Workplace safety standards are upheld, and compliance with KoBold's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies is maintained at all times.

Availability for project-driven schedules is required, including work beyond typical weeks during critical project phases or emergencies.

Travel to Mingomba and other KoBold project locations is part of the role, requiring flexibility and resilience in remote working conditions.

Nice to have

EIZ Certification when available, as it validates advanced competence in mine planning and risk management.

Practical notes

Field-facing roles involve significant site time, including a minimum of one week of annual travel to remote project locations.

Projects require handling uncertainty and quantifying risk to support decision-making in complex and evolving environments.

Field-based roles spend more time at project sites than office-based roles, demanding adaptability to rugged and remote conditions.