Process Engineer, Lithium Extraction

Lilac Solutions, Inc.; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k with pre- and post-tax investing

Flexible spendings account/Health-she

Group and term life insurance

Flexible paid time off

Paid sick leave

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Commuter benefits

Lunches provided

Employee assistance program

Monthly phone stipend

Job summary

Lilac Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer to design and conduct experiments on our proprietary ion exchange system to support scaling up its technology.

You will join a team improving mini pilot scale lithium extraction modules using solid engineering principles and cross-functional collaboration. You will operate process equipment, collect and analyze data, and summarize results in technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical/ mechanical engineering or related field.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
• Highly organized with strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with engineers, chemists, and operators.
• Must pass respirator fit test; able to stand up to 8 hours and lift up to 50 lbs; wear PPE.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, commission, and operate lithium extraction modules from bench to pilot scale.
• Develop new designs to improve efficiency of the technology.
• Prepare material balances, PFDs, and P&IDs.
• Interface with automation, process control, and continuous improvement teams.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Communication

Safety procedures

Physical requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering

Tools

PLCs

Process equipment

Job description

Lilac exists to solve one problem: lithium supply. By engineering scalable lithium extraction technology, we help industries produce lithium faster, cheaper, and cleaner. Our ion exchange technology is rooted in scientific precision and commercial know-how, making lithium supply a non-issue for global electrification. Our materials, engineering, and approach uniquely position us to design and develop commercial projects across various lithium sources. We help lithium producers rapidly and responsibly scale production from brine resources with versatile, cost-effective, and dynamic technology solutions.

Lilac is supported by the largest players from the mining and processing industry, as well as significant investment funds. Lilac investors include BMW, SK, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mercuria, Lower Carbon Capital, and MIT’s The Engine.

About the role

Lilac is seeking a Process Engineer to design and conduct experiments on Lilac’s proprietary ion exchange system to support the scale-up of its technology. You will be part of a team responsible for improving the performance of Lilac's mini pilot scale lithium extraction modules using engineering principles. It’s a collaborative position where you will work with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and drive innovation. An ideal candidate provides new ideas, and/or refines the existing technology through a process of researching, designing, experimenting, and testing. Day-to-day responsibilities will include operating process equipment, data collection, data analysis and summarizing results and conclusions in technical reports. This is a full-time position, with up to 25% travel to lithium extraction sites.

What you'll do

• Design, fabricate, commission, and operate lithium extraction modules and associated components, across bench and pilot scale.
• Development of new designs to improve efficiency of the technology
• Develop key design documents such as material balances, PFDs, P&IDs
• Automation, process control, and continual improvement of the lithium extraction skids
• Evaluation of equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Up to 25% travel, to commission and operate lithium extraction plants both domestically and internationally

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail, proficient in data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interface and collaborate with other engineers, chemists, and operators.
• Pass a respirator fit test periodically, occasionally stand for up to 8 hours per day, occasionally move up to 50 lbs, and wear PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Experience working with process equipment in an industrial setting, preferably with brine solutions or water treatment systems.
• Experience working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Benefits & Compensation

• Annual base salary of $100k - $140k
• Stock options
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• 401k with pre- and post-tax investing options
• Flexible spendings account/Health savings account
• Group and term life insurance
• Flexible paid time off policy
• Paid sick leave
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave
• Commuter benefits (some locations)
• Lunches provided
• Employee assistance program
• Monthly phone stipend

The salary range listed reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant skills, experience, and geographic location.

The title and level for this role (Associate or Engineer) will be determined based on experience and qualifications.

EEO Statement

Lilac Solutions is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity. Lilac Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

The pay range for this role is:

100,000 - 140,000 USD per year (Oakland, CA)