Mechanical Engineer - Lithium Processing & Plant Startups

Lithium Americas; Orovada (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Americas seeks a Mechanical Engineer to join the Maintenance team at Thacker Pass, NV. You will support buildout, commissioning, and operation of a new sulfuric acid and lithium processing plant, reporting to the Maintenance Manager.

Occasional travel to other LAC sites may be required. Responsibilities include safety compliance, KPI development, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to optimize plant performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–10 years of engineering experience in a mining or chemical processing facility.
• Experience with CAD and updating drawings with 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Be a self-starter: highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Champion process and mechanical safety by ensuring compliance with MSHA, OSHA and ASME; participate in PHA, MOC and PSSR to mitigate hazards.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and pre-commissioning activities for sulfuric acid and lithium processing facilities.
• Serve as the site Mechanical Engineering SME to support day-to-day operations and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment performance issues using CMMS and Data Historian data.
• Assist in developing and leading KPIs for maintenance (MTTR, MTBF, etc.).
• Specify, recommend, and procure replacement equipment for plant operations.
• Maintain and update plant technical drawings.
• Manage capital and sustaining projects from concept through design, procurement, start-up.
• Oversee contractor work during maintenance and project execution.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and management to implement and optimize processes.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across engineering activities.
• Promote continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Document lessons learned and maintain records of process modifications.
• Build and maintain relationships across teams supporting Lithium Americas’ purpose and values.

Job description

Lithium Americas seeks a Mechanical Engineer to join the Maintenance team at Thacker Pass, NV. You will support buildout, commissioning, and operation of a new sulfuric acid and lithium processing plant, reporting to the Maintenance Manager.

Occasional travel to other LAC sites may be required. Responsibilities include safety compliance, KPI development, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to optimize plant performance.