Mechanical Engineer

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Nevada, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the commissioning and operation of a new processing plant at Thacker Pass. The role involves ensuring safety compliance, troubleshooting equipment issues, and managing capital projects.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 3–10 years of relevant experience. Strong interpersonal and engineering skills are essential for success in this mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 3–10 years of engineering experience in a mining or chemical processing facility.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and unit operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion process and mechanical safety by ensuring compliance with standards.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and pre-commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment performance issues.

Skills

Engineering principles

CAD

CMMS systems

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID

3D Plant layout modeling

Job description

Company Overview

Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building, and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The company’s flagship asset, Thacker Pass, is located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada and is the world’s largest known measured lithium source and reserve. We are focused on safely and responsibly developing Thacker Pass to production to help strengthen national security and enable cleaner energy sources. We are committed to minimizing environmental impact, creating family-supporting jobs, and maximizing sustainable value for our stakeholders.

Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Maintenance team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the buildout, commissioning, and operation of a new sulfuric acid and lithium processing plant at Thacker Pass. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the clean energy sector. The role is based at the Thacker Pass site located near Orovada, NV, and reports to the Maintenance Manager. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, vendor locations, or other may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion process and mechanical safety by ensuring full compliance with MSHA, OSHA and ASME standards; actively participate in process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Management of Change (MOC) and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) to identify, mitigate and eliminate process related hazards.
• Fosters a culture where safe work practices and personal accountability are non-negotiable.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and pre-commissioning activities for the sulfuric acid and lithium processing facilities.
• Serve as the site Mechanical Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support day-to-day operations and maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment performance issues using data from Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and the Process Data Historian.
• Assist in developing and leading Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for maintenance such as Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and others.
• Specify, recommend, and procure replacement or alternate equipment for plant operations.
• Maintain and update plant technical drawings.
• Manage capital and sustaining projects from concept through design, procurement, and start-up, including change management.
• Oversee contractor work during maintenance and project execution.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and management teams to implement and optimize processes.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across all engineering activities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Document lessons learned and maintain accurate records of process modifications.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–10 years of engineering experience in a mining or chemical processing facility.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and unit operations.
• Experience with CAD and updating drawings with use of Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID preferred.
• Experience with 3D Plant layout modeling preferred.
• Familiarity with CMMS systems and Data Historians.
• Familiarity with OSHA PSM or MSHA standards preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Be a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to critically challenge assumptions, “think outside the box”, and deliver creative solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Teams, etc.).
• Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lithium Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, age, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.