Pilot Plant Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

RRSP matching

Education allowance

Job summary

Saltworks Technologies in Richmond, BC is seeking a Pilot Plant Engineer to oversee and optimize pilot-scale water treatment and lithium refining systems, with field assignments at customer sites. You will collect data, perform wet lab tests, interpret results, and work with senior engineers to expand your knowledge of inorganic water chemistry and Saltworks processes.

This hands-on role combines field work, factory operations, and design support, with on-the-job training, a strong safety

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 1–3 years of post‑graduate experience in an industrial environment.
• A valid passport and ability to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems (training provided).
• Collect, analyze, and manage data, including wet lab testing and interpretation.
• Build knowledge in inorganic water chemistry, treatment processes, and lithium refining with guidance from in‑house experts.
• Learn and apply an understanding of Saltworks’ products, processes, and pilot plant infrastructure.
• Contribute to completion reports and provide feedback for process and design improvements.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks, supported by skilled tradespeople for complex work.
• Strengthen your technical and communication skills through work with engineering drawings, documentation, mass balances, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Hands-on tools

Industrial instruments

Lab equipment

Safety mindset

Communication

Time management

Education

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Saltworks Technologiesis a leading Canadian cleantech company solving two of the world's most pressing challenges: water sustainability and critical minerals supply. We design and build advanced industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems for global leaders in semiconductors, mining, automotive, and industrial processing.

Saltworks is a 2025 Technology Fast 50 company and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner. We lead our industry in adopting and developing AI across our products, projects, and operations. Join us and build skills defining the next era of engineering and industrial systems.

The Role

Join our team as aPilot Plant Engineerand play a key role in overseeing and optimizing our cutting-edge pilot-scale plants. This position offers a dynamic mix of fieldwork, factory operations, and engineering design support. Field assignments may last several months at customer sites, where you’ll be backed by a strong and supportive team at headquarters.

You will advance your technical skills whileworking closely with our experienced senior leaders and subject matter experts. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy hands‑on work, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems (training provided).
• Collect, analyze, and manage data, including wet lab testing and interpretation.
• Build knowledge in inorganic water chemistry, treatment processes, and lithium refining with guidance from in‑house experts.
• Learn and apply an understanding of Saltworks’ products, processes, and pilot plant infrastructure.
• Contribute to completion reports and provide feedback for process and design improvements.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks, supported by skilled tradespeople for complex work.
• Strengthen your technical and communication skills through work with engineering drawings, documentation, mass balances, and troubleshooting.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally to customer sites without restrictions.
• A degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, with 1-3 years of post‑graduate experience in an industrial environment.
• A strong safety mindset and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized work area.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands‑on experience with tools, industrial instruments, and lab equipment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• A quick learning ability and 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:13800 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC V6W 1A8