Engineer - Drill and Blast

Overview

Engineer – Drill and Blast at Rio Tinto Kennecott in Salt Lake City, Utah. You will help plan, design, and execute safe and efficient mining operations, working with geology, geotechnical, and operations teams to connect short- and long-term planning and maximize orebody value while managing risk.

This is a hands-on role where your ideas, curiosity, and collaboration matter. You will join an underground team delivering safe, disciplined operations where experience, teamwork, and innovation come together underground.

• Focus on drill and blast activities, supporting both planning and execution.
• Partner with the team to design and schedule drill and blast plans aligned with production goals.
• Help implement and continuously improve QA/QC processes for drilling and blasting.
• Develop daily and weekly plans that optimize blast performance.
• Review mine plans and translate them into practical, safe drill and blast designs.
• Use mine planning tools to create and refine efficient and integrated designs.
• Track performance and support reconciliation to improve future plans.
• Communicate plans clearly to partners across operations to ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with Geology, Geotech, and Execution teams to deliver safe outcomes.
• Work with processing and support teams to understand constraints, costs, and performance drivers.

Note: This role includes some weekend coverage as part of supporting operations.

We know great candidates don’t always check every box, so we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification.

To be successful in this role, you’ll likely have:

• A degree in Mining Engineering (or a related field).
• Experience in mine planning, drill and blast, or a similar technical role.
• The ability to break down complex problems and communicate practical solutions.
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work across teams.
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement approach.

It’s a bonus if you also have

• Experience in open pit mining environments.
• Familiarity with tools like Minesight (Atlas, MSSO) or similar software.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or safety systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

• Be recognized for your contributions, innovative thinking and dedication, and leave each day knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies including paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• Generous parental leave policy to spend quality time with your family.
• Discount programs and wellbeing incentives.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling or guidance for you and your family.

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. We produce copper and other metals, with mining and processing activities at the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903.

Rio Tinto is a global mining and materials company operating in 35 countries. We produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition. We are focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable practices, and we seek partnerships to solve problems and create opportunities.

Rio Tinto is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected, and valued. We treat all people fairly and with dignity. Rio Tinto participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.