Process Engineer

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Americas seeks a Process Engineer to support the Thacker Pass sulfuric acid plant and lithium processing facilities. Based in Winnemucca, NV, you will provide technical process engineering support to plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in chemical processing systems.

You will collaborate with Operations, Commissioning, and Start-Up teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance, aligning with our safety and environmental commitments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of chemical process engineering principles and unit operations.
• Experience with sulfuric acid plant operations or lithium processing is a plus.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up activities for the Thacker Pass sulfuric acid plant and lithium facility.
• Provide day-to-day process engineering support to operations and troubleshooting.
• Investigate operational issues using process data and trends from the historian system (DCS).
• Develop and manage capital projects to improve safety, throughput, and efficiency.
• Oversee contractors and ensure work is safe and efficient on-site.
• Develop systems to track productivity, standards, metrics and ROA.

Skills

Process engineering

Chemical processing knowledge

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering

Tools

DCS systems

MS Office 365

Data historians

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.Process 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 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 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.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Process Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting Lithium Americas’ efforts in safely and effectively building, commissioning, and operating the sulfuric acid plant and lithium processing facilities at Thacker Pass. This position plays a key role in providing technical process engineering support to plant operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance across chemical processing systems and unit operations associated with sulfuric acid production and lithium processing.The Process Engineer will serve as a technical resource to the Thacker Pass processing facility, supporting operations, troubleshooting process issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, a proven track record of problem solving, and familiarity with sulfuric acid production and chemical processing equipment. This role will help maintain and continuously improve operating practices that support stewardship, safety, quality, and overall plant performance.The role is based at our Winnemucca, NV office and reports to the Site Engineering Manager. Occasional travel to other Lithium Americas offices, business units, engineering partners, or vendor locations may be required.ResponsibilitiesSupport pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up activities for the Thacker Pass Sulfuric Acid Plant and Lithium Processing Facility in coordination with the Commissioning and Start-Up teamProvide day-to-day process engineering support to Operations, assisting with troubleshooting and optimization of equipment and processesInvestigate operational issues using process data and trends from the DCS historianDevelop and manage capital projects that improve safety, throughput, and efficiency in the processing plantOversee contractors performing maintenance and sustaining projects on-site, ensuring work is completed safely and efficientlyProvide advice and technical guidance to contractors, employees, and consultants to ensure Company and corporate standards are applied and maintainedReview, create, and implement a positive safety and environmentally sound culture with the right procedures and programs for the Thacker Pass Processing facilityDevelop systems and processes that track and optimize productivity and standards, metrics, and performance targets to ensure effective return on assets.Builds and maintains trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.Other duties as assignedRequirementsBachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field3-10 years’ experience as a Process Engineer in a chemical processing facilityStrong understanding of chemical process engineering principles and unit operationsFamiliarity with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) or MSHA regulations, preferredDemonstrated commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and teamworkPersonal commitment to Lithium Americas’ core Purpose, Vision and ValuesEffective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to motivate teams toward common goalsProven ability to manage several projects in parallel, while prioritizing and pursuing critical-path tasks on an accelerated scheduleStrong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively acrossAbility to critically challenge assumptions, “think outside the box”, and deliver creative solutionsBe a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energyProficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Teams, etc.)Familiarity with DCS control systems and data historian platformsWorking 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.