Process Operator

Pilbara Minerals Limited; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave 18 weeks

Health and wellbeing allowance

Quarterly incentive bonus

Novated leasing

Refurbished facilities at Pilgangoora

Community leave

Monthly recognition awards

KidsCo School Holiday Program

Job summary

Pilbara Minerals Limited is seeking an Experienced Process Operator to join our Pilgangoora operation. You will manage the processing plant, communicate with the team during shifts, and operate equipment safely and efficiently to meet product quality requirements.

Role is based at Pilgangoora with a FIFO roster from Perth or DIDO in the Pilbara region. A strong safety culture and teamwork are essential as we deliver high-grade lithium products globally.

Qualifications

• Solid experience operating a wet processing plant within heavy medium separation, grinding, flotation or reagents and filter press.
• Competent in control-room operations and general plant monitoring.
• Strong safety focus with experience in isolations, permits and site procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control processing plant areas including crushing, grinding, flotation and filtration.
• Identify items requiring preventative maintenance and communicate needs to the shift team.
• Provide recommendations on process improvements to maximise plant performance.

Skills

Heavy industry ops

Control-room operation

Safety systems

Driver's license

Job description

PLS is delivering on its vision to be a leading global producer of lithium, a mineral critical to enabling the world’s transition to a more sustainably powered future.

As the owner and operator of the Pilgangoora Operation, the world’s largest independent hard-rock lithium mine, we are expanding fast, investing boldly, and building a global portfolio that positions us at the forefront of the energy transition.

Most recently, we acquired Latin Resources, adding the Colina Project in Brazil to our portfolio — strengthening our international footprint and creating new pathways for growth.

With more than 900 people employed globally, we’re building a future-focused business where talented people can create real impact. At PLS, our Values aren’t just words on a wall, they drive how we work, how we lead, and how we grow: Safety First. Great People. We Deliver. One Team. Shaping Tomorrow.

If you want to be part of an organisation that is ambitious, innovative and shaping the next era of battery minerals, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join us.

WHAT PLS OFFERS

• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Quarterly short-term incentive bonus that recognises individual and business performance
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Newly refurbished facilities at Pilgangoora including gym, tennis and squash courts, sports oval, and scenic walking tracks
• Paid community leave
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, the Experienced Process Operator is responsible for the processing plant, communicating to the team throughout the shift and reporting on plant updates or any issues, as well as operating equipment in a safe, productive and efficient manner to maximise plant performance and achieve quality product to meet customer requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and control areas of the processing plant such as;
• Crushing circuit, HPGR (high pressure grinding), screening, heavy media separation, milling and gravity, flotation, filtration, reagents, and tailings treatment,
• Identify and communicate items of the plant that require preventative maintenance or repair, and
• Identifying and providing recommendations on process improvements

This is a permanent full-time role based at our Pilgangoora operation which operates on a 8:6/7:7 FIFO roster from Perth or DIDO in the Pilbara region.

ABOUT YOU:

• Solid experience in operating a wet processing plant in particularly heavy medium separation, grinding, flotation or reagents and filter press
• Competent in Control-room operation
• Safe Isolation's & permitting systems experience
• Current WA Driver’s licence is essential
• Forklift, loader, confined space, working at heights or EWP (Elevated Work Platform) tickets are all highly regarded
• You are humble with a positive attitude and a can-do approach to your work
• Safety is your number one priority
• You enjoy being part of a team and passionate about achieving goals together

SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

PLS is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage female candidates andFirst Nations peoplesto apply.

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

As part of our recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal andKariyarraPeople of the Pilbara, and the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region who are the traditional owners and first people of these lands. We would like to pay respect to the Elders past,and presentand emergingfor they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of the Nyamal,Kariyarraand Whadjuk Noongar Peoples.

Advertised: 02 Oct 2026 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 02 Nov 2026 W. Australia Standard Time