Mechanical Engineer Intern

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Relocation stipend

Job summary

Lithium Americas, operating Thacker Pass in northern Nevada, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer Intern to join our Maintenance Team. You will gain hands‑on experience with plant equipment, commissioning, maintenance, reliability, and operational readiness in an industrial processing environment.

You will collaborate with engineering, operations, and construction teams, helping with drawings, data analysis, and basic engineering calculations while supporting safety and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed sophomore-level coursework by internship start.
• Foundational understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills; eager to learn in office and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment and mechanical system support for plant operations.
• Support commissioning, startup and operational readiness activities.
• Collect and analyze data to identify performance, reliability, and maintenance improvements.
• Contribute to drawings and technical documentation (P&IDs, datasheets, specs).
• Participate in MOC, root-cause analysis, and reliability improvement activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance and construction teams.

Skills

Mechanical engineering basics

Reading drawings

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (in progress)

Tools

P&ID interpretation

Job description

Mechanical Engineer Intern

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. 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 Values

Our 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.

Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer Intern to join our Maintenance Team at Thacker Pass. In this role, you will support mechanical engineering activities related to plant equipment, commissioning, maintenance, reliability, and operational readiness. This internship provides hands‑on experience working with mechanical systems and equipment in an industrial processing environment. The intern will have opportunities to work alongside engineering, operations, maintenance, and construction teams while gaining exposure to the commissioning and startup of a large‑scale lithium processing facility. The role is based at our Thacker Pass production facility office and reports to the Mechanical Engineer. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.

Intern Housing & Relocation Support

Housing and a one-time relocation stipend will be provided for the selected intern to support the relocation to the Winnemucca area.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote Lithium Nevada’s safety‑first culture through compliance with OSHA and MSHA requirements and Lithium Nevada’s site‑specific safety programs.
• Perform all assigned activities with a safety‑first mindset, support employee Stop Work Authority, and identify and report potential safety hazards and observations.
• Assist mechanical engineers with engineering support for plant equipment and mechanical systems, including pumps, piping, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, compressors, conveyors, and other rotating and fixed equipment.
• Support equipment inspections, field walkdowns, troubleshooting, and identification of mechanical issues.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities for mechanical equipment and systems.
• Collect, organize, and analyze equipment and operating data to help identify performance, reliability, and maintenance opportunities.
• Assist with basic engineering calculations related to fluid flow, heat transfer, equipment sizing, mechanical systems, and equipment performance.
• Support the review and development of engineering drawings and technical documentation, including P&IDs, equipment specifications, datasheets, vendor drawings, and operating procedures.
• Assist with equipment documentation, technical reports, and maintenance or reliability records.
• Participate in Management of Change (MOC), root cause analysis, and other engineering or reliability improvement activities as appropriate.
• Work with vendors, contractors, operations, maintenance, and other engineering disciplines to support equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Observe and follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across teams while supporting a culture that reflects Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Completion of at least sophomore‑level engineering coursework by the internship start date.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn in both office and field environments.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial plant and active construction environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, operations, maintenance, construction, and other cross‑functional teams.
• Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.

Working at Lithium Americas

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 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.

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.