Operations Engineer

Saltworks Technologies: Industrial Water + Lithium; Stoughton, Richmond; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

RRSP matching

Life insurance and AD&D coverage

Education allowance

Job summary

Saltworks Technologies is seeking an Operations Engineer in Saskatchewan to support the launch of a lithium demonstration plant. In this hands-on role, you will commission and optimize cutting-edge lithium extraction systems, while ensuring safety and conducting data analysis. Candidates should have a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering and 2-3 years of experience. The position offers competitive compensation, a collaborative team environment, and opportunities for advancement in AI-driven engineering applications.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of hands-on experience in a relevant engineering field.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Commitment to safety and organization in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Commission, operate, and optimize a demonstration-scale lithium extraction system.
• Maintain safety procedures and cleanliness in the work area.
• Collect, analyze, and document process data.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting equipment issues

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree or diploma in Chemical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering

Tools

Industrial instruments

Lab equipment

Job description

Saltworks Technologies is a leading Canadian cleantech company solving two of the world’s most pressing industrial challenges: water sustainability and critical minerals supply. We design and build advanced industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world’s most recognized companies – in semiconductors, mining, automotive, and more. Saltworks is a 2025 Fast 50 Company and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner.

Join Saltworks as an Operations Engineer and take on an exciting, on‑site, hands‑on role supporting the launch of a first‑of‑its‑kind lithium demonstration plant located near Stoughton, Saskatchewan. With operations scheduled to begin in late Spring 2026, you will join at a pivotal moment as this lithium extraction plant progresses through installation, commissioning, and into live production. In this role, you will work closely with a skilled on‑site technical team to support start‑up activities, system tuning, troubleshooting, and early‑stage process optimization. You will learn from Saltworks’ industry‑leading experts, gaining mentorship and technical guidance as you grow in the role. Following completion of the 12‑18 month demonstration period, there may be opportunities to continue with Saltworks, either at our headquarters in Richmond, BC, or in Saskatchewan to support future expansion. If you enjoy hands‑on problem‑solving and working with advanced equipment, this role offers the chance to support advanced lithium technology while building meaningful, hands‑on operational experience.

Key responsibilities

• Commission, operate, and optimize a world‑first demonstration‑scale lithium extraction and refining system, with training and senior technical support provided.
• Maintain a strong safety mindset by following all procedures, keeping a clean and organized workspace, and identifying potential hazards early.
• Collect, analyze, and manage process data, including wet‑lab testing, interpretation, and accurate documentation.
• Build technical knowledge in water treatment processes, inorganic water chemistry, and lithium refining with support from Saltworks experts.
• Learn and apply an understanding of Saltworks’ products, processes, and demonstration‑plant infrastructure to support troubleshooting and optimization.
• Contribute to reporting and provide feedback on process behavior, equipment performance, and opportunities for design improvement.
• Perform basic mechanical maintenance tasks, involving skilled tradespeople for complex or specialized work.
• Strengthen technical communication skills through work with engineering drawings, documentation, troubleshooting practices, and mass balances.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• A degree or diploma in Chemical, Mechanical, Power Engineering, or Engineering Technology, with 2–3 years of hands‑on experience.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A strong safety mindset and a commitment to maintaining a clean, organized work environment.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process issues.
• Hands‑on experience using tools, industrial instruments, and lab equipment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
• The ability to learn quickly and maintain a high standard for quality work.
• A collaborative, can‑do attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed.

Why join Saltworks?

At Saltworks, you’ll collaborate with talented colleagues to solve complex, real‑world problems – designing and delivering innovative water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world’s most recognized companies. Every team member contributes meaningfully, from early‑stage development through field deployment. Saltworks is investing intentionally in artificial intelligence for engineering and technical work. Engineering offers one of the longest runways for AI‑driven productivity and automation, and Saltworks aims to be at the forefront of this shift. We provide the training, computational capacity, and practical tools needed for engineers and technical professionals to apply AI meaningfully in their work.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, vision, RRSP matching, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and an education allowance.
• Culture built on safety, innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional team environment where every member contributes to project outcomes.
• Regular social activities and company events.

Salary: Negotiable based on your experience, qualifications, and alignment with comparable roles internally.

Location: Viewfield, Saskatchewan