Chemist II

Rio Tinto; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

10% annual incentive bonus

Health, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and parental leave

Job summary

Rio Tinto Kennecott in Salt Lake City, Utah, seeks a Chemist II to provide accurate analytical data and strengthen QA across Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories. This on-site role supports method development, data interpretation and collaboration with engineers, scientists and operators.

You will train technicians, support QA programs, and apply Lean 5S to improve safety and efficiency while enabling informed processing decisions.

Qualifications

• A qualification in chemistry or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent practical laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying analytical chemistry in a laboratory, processing, manufacturing or safety-critical environment.
• Experience conducting laboratory assignments, evaluating results and resolving technical problems.
• Working knowledge of quality control and quality assurance practices with good documentation.

Responsibilities

• Train technicians on routine and non-routine sample preparation and analytical procedures across matrices and instruments.
• Participate in site laboratory quality control and QA programs, proficiency testing, audits, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate analytical results, investigate variances and recommend practical method improvements.
• Contribute to method development, validation, certification and SOP development/review.
• Operate and support laboratory instrumentation and data systems, including X-ray fluorescence, LECO and titrators.
• Provide chemistry input to process engineers and lab partners across three site labs.
• Prepare technical reports and present solutions to peers and stakeholders.
• Apply Lean 5S principles to improve organization, safety and efficiency.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Strong communication

Analytical chemistry knowledge

Laboratory troubleshooting

Education

Chemistry degree or related scientific discipline

Tools

X-ray fluorescence

LECO analyzers

Automated titrators

Particle size analyzers

Job description

Chemist II - Site Labs

Rio Tinto Kennecott | Salt Lake City, Utah | On-site

• Provide analytical chemistry and quality assurance support across the Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories
• Improve analytical methods and support technicians through hands‑on technical guidance and training
• Monday through Friday, on-site role offering a consistent schedule and exposure across three Kennecott site laboratories

We’re Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

We are looking for a Chemist II to provide accurate analytical data, strengthen laboratory quality systems and support technical work across Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories. You will apply professional chemistry knowledge to assignments and projects that support safe, consistent and efficient processing operations.

This is a great opportunity for a laboratory professional who enjoys solving practical analytical problems, improving methods and working with technicians, engineers, scientists and operational partners to turn laboratory results into informed decisions.

Reporting to the Senior Supervisor, Site Laboratories, and working within collaborative technical teams, you will support all three site laboratories. This is an on-site role working Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with occasional extended hours or weekend support based on operational needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Train technicians on routine and non-routine sample preparation and analytical procedures across a variety of sample matrices and laboratory instruments.
• Participate in site laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing, routine audits, standards development, troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate analytical results, investigate variances and recommend practical improvements to analytical methods, procedures, quality controls and project objectives.
• Contribute to analytical method development, validation and certification, as well as the development and review of standard operating procedures.
• Operate and support laboratory instrumentation and data systems, which may include X‑ray fluorescence, LECO analyzers, automated titrators, particle size analyzers and other relevant instruments.
• Provide chemistry input and technical assistance to process engineers, scientists and laboratory partners across the Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories.
• Prepare clear technical reports and recommendations and present proposed solutions or results to peers, project teams and operational stakeholders.
• Apply Lean 5S principles to improve laboratory organization, efficiency, safety and standardization.

About you

We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every helpful-for-success item to apply. If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.

Required for success

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• A qualification in chemistry or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent practical laboratory experience
• Demonstrated experience applying analytical chemistry in a laboratory, processing, manufacturing or other safety‑critical technical environment
• Experience conducting laboratory assignments or projects, evaluating results and resolving technical problems using established procedures
• Working knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance practices, including accurate documentation and record keeping
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and collaborate with technicians, scientists, engineers and operational stakeholders

Helpful for success

• Experience with laboratory instrumentation such as X‑ray fluorescence, LECO analyzers, particle size analyzers, automated titrators or similar instruments
• Experience with laboratory information management systems and common business applications, including Microsoft Excel and Word
• Exposure to analytical method development, validation, proficiency testing, audits or laboratory certification activities
• Knowledge of Lean 5S principles and their application within a laboratory environment

What we offer

• Be recognized for your contributions, innovative thinking and dedication, and leave each day knowing you have 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 a 10% annual performance-based incentive bonus
• Access to top‑tier 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 and a generous 401(k) matching program
• Attractive share ownership plan
• Comprehensive leave policies covering the moments that matter in life, including paid time off, paid holidays and paid bereavement leave
• A generous parental leave policy to support quality time with your new family
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling or expert guidance for you and your family

Where you’ll be working

Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. The operation includes mining, concentrating, smelting and refining activities and produces copper and other materials that are essential to modern life.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win‑win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.