Mechanical Engineer — Lithium Processing & Plant Start-Up

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 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.