Operational Improvement Engineer

Location: Wallace, Idaho
Employement Type: Full-Time, Exempt role

Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounting professional to take the next step in their career, contribute to a growing mining operation, and work closely with both site and corporate leadership. If you are motivated, detail-oriented, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

About Americas Gold & Silver
Americas Gold & Silver operates the underground Galena Mine in the heart of beautiful North Idaho, an area renowned for its incredible outdoor recreational opportunities. Our small, dynamic team offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while working on diverse projects in a stunning location.

Job Description

Working directly with the General Manager and site leadership team, this position will develop implementation plans, coordinate cross-functional execution, track results, and ensure improvements are integrated into day-to-day operations. The role requires extensive underground mining experience, preferably in narrow vein mining environments, combined with strong project execution and problem-solving skills.

Success in this role will be measured by the completion of key initiatives and the delivery of sustainable improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and cost performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Execute Improvement Initiatives

Lead the implementation of operational improvement initiatives identified by Management.

• Translate recommendations into actionable work plans with defined milestones, deliverables, and performance measures.
• Coordinate execution across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Technical Services, and Supply Chain.
• Monitor progress, identify barriers, and drive timely resolution of issues affecting implementation.
• Provide regular status updates and performance reporting to the General Manager and site leadership team.

Improve Underground Mining Performance

• Work closely with operational leaders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of underground mining activities.
• Identify and address process constraints impacting development, production, equipment utilization, and workforce productivity.
• Support initiatives that improve operational execution, resource utilization, and mining cycle efficiency.
• Assist departments in implementing best practices and standardized operating procedures.
• Verify improvements through data analysis, field observations, and performance tracking.

Drive Accountability and Results

• Establish metrics and reporting systems to measure improvement efforts.
• Track and communicate progress against targeted operational and financial outcomes.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts to address performance gaps and operational challenges.
• Ensure improvements are sustainable and supported by appropriate controls, procedures, and management practices.

Support Continuous Improvement

• Utilize Lean and Six Sigma tools to identify root causes and improve operating performance.
• Facilitate workshops and improvement initiatives involving supervisors and frontline employees.
• Promote a culture focused on operational discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Transfer knowledge and improvement practices to site personnel to support long-ter

Promote Safety

• Ensure all improvement initiatives support safe and efficient operations.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and MSHA regulations.
• Participate in underground observations, field audits, and operational reviews.
• Maintain safety as the highest priority in all activities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of underground mining experience.
• Experience in narrow vein underground mining strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational improvement, productivity enhancement, or business transformation initiatives.
• Experience working directly with operational leadership teams in a producing mine environment.

Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• PMP certification considered an asset.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of underground mining methods, mine development, and production processes.
• Knowledge of operational performance measurement and process improvement methodologies.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills.

Salary is DOE

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit and reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or make data entries; talk or hear. The employee is required to walk extended distances, climb, balance, stoop, and kneel.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read paperwork and complete computer data entry, and peripheral vision to note personnel and underground mine traffic.

America's Gold and Silver, is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at America's Gold and Silver is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. America's Gold and Silver does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• underground mining: 7 years (Required)

Work Location: In person