Mechanical Engineer

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Americas is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Maintenance team at the Thacker Pass site near Orovada, NV. You will support build-out, commissioning, and operation of a sulfuric acid and lithium processing plant, reporting to the Maintenance Manager.

You will champion safety, lead process improvements, troubleshoot equipment, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operations and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced mining/chemical environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–10 years of engineering experience in mining or chemical processing facility.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and unit operations.
• Experience with CAD and updating drawings; Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID preferred.
• Familiarity with CMMS and Data Historians.
• OSHA PSM or MSHA standards familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Champion process and mechanical safety per MSHA/OSHA/ASME standards.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and pre-commissioning activities.
• Serve as site Mechanical Engineering SME for operations and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot equipment using CMMS and Process Data Historian.
• Develop KPIs for maintenance (MTTR, MTBF, etc.).
• Specify, procure, and replace plant equipment.
• Maintain and update plant drawings and documents.
• Manage capital and sustaining projects from concept to start-up.
• Oversee contractor work during maintenance and project execution.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and management to optimize processes.
• Ensure safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID

3D plant layout modeling

CMMS systems

Data Historian

MS Excel

Job description

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.Mechanical EngineerCompany OverviewLithium 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 resource 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.Lithium Americas is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, and operates in the U.S., with offices in Reno, NV, and Winnemucca, NV. The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol LAC.Our Purpose, Vision, and ValuesOur purpose, vision, and values are the guiding principles that will serve as the cornerstone of our company’s future direction and operations, aligning our team and organization towards our common goals.Our Purpose is to safely and sustainably produce lithium from Thacker Pass to enable North America to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals and drive value for our stakeholders.Our Vision is to be North America’s leading lithium producer to enable cleaner energy sources.Our Values include Act with Integrity, Be Responsible and Act with Care, Commit to Excellence and Drive Innovation, and Be a Collaborative Partner.RoleWe 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 ResponsibilitiesChampion 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 facilitiesServe as the site Mechanical Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support day-to-day operations and maintenance activitiesTroubleshoot and resolve equipment performance issues using data from Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and the Process Data HistorianAssist 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 operationsMaintain and update plant technical drawings.Manage capital and sustaining projects from concept through design, procurement, and start-up, including change managementOversee contractor work during maintenance and project executionCollaborate with production, QA, and management teams to implement and optimize processesEnsure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across all engineering activitiesPromote a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellenceDocument lessons learned and maintain accurate records of process modificationsBuild and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and ValuesPerform other duties as assignedRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field3–10 years of engineering experience in a mining or chemical processing facilityStrong understanding of engineering principles and unit operationsExperience with CAD and updating drawings with use of Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID preferredExperience with 3D Plant layout modeling preferredFamiliarity with CMMS systems and Data HistoriansFamiliarity with OSHA PSM or MSHA standards preferredDemonstrated commitment to safety, teamwork, and environmental responsibilityExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environmentBe a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energyStrong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionallyAbility to critically challenge assumptions, “think outside the box”, and deliver creative solutionsProficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Teams, etc.)Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and ValuesWorking at Lithium AmericasAt Lithium Americas, we believe our people are our most valuable asset. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for long-term growth and skills development.We are committed to building a diverse and respectful workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.Equal Opportunity StatementLithium 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.