Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer – Mining Operations

Location: Carlsbad, NM
Department: Engineering & Reliability
Reports To: Engineering Manager / Mine Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for the design, maintenance, reliability, optimization, and continuous improvement of electrical systems supporting mining, mineral processing, and production operations. This role provides technical leadership for electrical infrastructure, power distribution systems, instrumentation, automation, and capital improvement projects to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

The successful candidate will collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and project teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, support regulatory compliance, and execute strategic capital projects throughout mining and processing facilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Electrical Systems Engineering

• Design, evaluate, and maintain electrical systems supporting underground and surface mining operations.
• Provide technical support for power distribution systems, substations, transformers, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), and electrical protection systems.
• Perform electrical load studies, fault current analysis, arc flash assessments, and power system evaluations.
• Develop and review electrical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.

Reliability & Asset Management

• Analyze equipment failures and perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA).
• Develop reliability improvement strategies to reduce downtime and increase equipment availability.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Monitor performance trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation

• Support PLC, SCADA, HMI, and process control systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot electrical and automation issues.
• Assist with instrumentation design, calibration, and integration activities.
• Recommend automation solutions to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Capital Projects

• Lead electrical engineering aspects of capital improvement projects from concept through commissioning.
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate activities with contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Support project commissioning, startup, and performance verification.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • MSHA regulations
  • NFPA standards
  • National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Company safety policies and procedures
• Participate in hazard assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations.
• Promote a culture of safety and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3–7 years of electrical engineering experience in mining, manufacturing, industrial processing, utilities, oil & gas, chemical processing, or heavy industrial environments.
• Knowledge of:
  • Medium and high-voltage power systems
  • Motor controls
  • Protective relaying
  • Power distribution
  • Industrial automation systems
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• Mining industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting underground mining operations.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Allen-Bradley PLCs
  • Siemens PLCs
  • SCADA systems
  • VFDs
  • Instrumentation systems
  • Reliability engineering methodologies
• Project management experience.
• Familiarity with capital project execution and contractor management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and equipment.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and technical analysis.
• Excellent project planning and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with operations, maintenance, contractors, and executive leadership.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and field environments.
• Ability to enter underground and surface mining facilities.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms.
• Exposure to industrial environments including dust, noise, vibration, and varying weather conditions.
• Occasional travel may be required to support projects, vendors, and operational initiatives.