Operational Improvement Engineer

Americas Gold and Silver is seeking an Operational Improvement Engineer to partner with site leadership at its underground operation in Wallace, Idaho (onsite). In this role, you will help build and deliver operational improvement plans that drive sustainable gains in productivity, operational efficiency, and cost performance. This position works directly with the General Manager and cross-functional site teams to turn recommendations into measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of operational improvement initiatives identified by Management.
• Convert recommendations into executable work plans with milestones, deliverables, and performance measures.
• Coordinate execution across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Technical Services, and Supply Chain.
• Track progress, identify barriers, and drive timely resolution of issues impacting implementation.
• Provide regular status updates and performance reporting to the General Manager and site leadership team.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of underground mining activities.
• Identify and address process constraints affecting 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 improvement outcomes using data analysis, field observations, and performance tracking.
• Establish metrics and reporting systems to measure improvement efforts and communicate progress against targeted operational and financial outcomes.
• Lead structured problem-solving to address performance gaps and operational challenges.
• Ensure improvements remain sustainable through appropriate controls, procedures, and management practices.
• Use Lean and Six Sigma tools to identify root causes and improve operating performance.
• Facilitate workshops and improvement initiatives with supervisors and frontline employees.
• Transfer knowledge and improvement practices to site personnel to support long-term adoption.
• Maintain a culture of operational discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all initiatives support safe and efficient operations.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and MSHA regulations.
• Participate in underground observations, field audits, and operational reviews.
• Maintain safety as the highest priority in all activities.

Requirements

• 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.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• PMP certification considered an asset.
• 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 and reporting capabilities, including Power BI.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills.

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Excel
• Power BI

Benefits

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

Location: Wallace, Idaho (In person)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt role

Salary: DOE

Physical Requirements (summary): Frequently stands, walks, sits, and reaches with hands and arms; uses hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and to complete data entry; talks or hears. Requires walking extended distances, climbing, balancing, stooping, and kneeling. Vision abilities include close vision for paperwork and computer data entry, and peripheral vision to note personnel and underground mine traffic.

Application Question: Do you have a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?