Process Engineer, Lithium Extraction

Lilac; Town of Oakland (WI); 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 sav​

Group and term life insurance

Flexible paid time off policy

Paid sick leave

Eight weeks of paid parental leave

Commuter benefits

Lunches provided

Employee assistance program

Monthly phone stipend

Job summary

Lilac Solutions is seeking a Process Engineer to design and run experiments on Lilac’s proprietary ion exchange system to scale up its technology in Wisconsin. You’ll work with cross‑functional teams to refine the mini pilot lithium extraction modules, using engineering principles to drive innovation and document results in technical reports.

This full‑time role includes up to 25% travel to lithium extraction sites domestically and internationally, requiring hands‑on lab work, data analysis, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment and safety procedures.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and data interpretation.
• Excellent communication and ability to interface with engineers, chemists, and operators.
• Pass a respirator fit test periodically and able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, commission, and operate lithium extraction modules and components across bench and pilot scale.
• Develop new designs to improve technology efficiency.
• Create material balances, PFDs, and P&IDs.
• Automate process control and improve lithium extraction skids.
• Evaluate equipment and processes for safety and environmental compliance.
• Travel up to 25% to commission and operate plants domestically and internationally.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety procedures

Laboratory equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical/mechanical engineering

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Process instrumentation

Job description

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.

A Note to Third‑Party Recruiters:

At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiters or staffing agencies. Resumes sent without prior arrangement will be considered the property of Lilac Solutions, and no fees will be paid if we hire a candidate whose resume was submitted unsolicited.

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.