Process Research Engineer

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Americas is seeking a Process Research Engineer to lead Lithium Nevada’s technical efforts in developing and optimizing key unit operations for clay processing and hydrometallurgical steps at the Reno, NV office.

You will design bench and pilot campaigns, manage data, and collaborate with engineers, geologists and contractors to advance models, reduce cost, and accelerate development while upholding safety and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• Master’s or PhD is strongly preferred.
• Minimum three years of industrial research experience, preferably in mining or mineral processing/hydrometallurgy.
• Strong understanding of mineral process engineering, unit operations, and hydrometallurgy equipment selection.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy experimental campaigns to develop and optimize key unit operations in a clay extraction process.
• Interpret data, report findings, and drive project decisions.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and contractors to advance process models and simulations.
• Support technology evaluations with cost/benefit analyses.
• Mentor and lead teams to foster innovation and safe, efficient execution.

Skills

Mineral processing

Chemical engineering

Hydrometallurgy

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Analytical instruments

Laboratory testing equipment

Data management tools

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.Company 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.RoleWe are seeking a Process Research Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading Lithium Nevada’s technical efforts in developing and optimizing key unit operations. The successful candidate will design and execute bench and pilot scale experiments to prove out concepts that result in safe, efficient, and low-cost options for processing lithium bearing clay materials. The main areas of interest are clay leaching, neutralization, and chemical precipitations, but may also include other areas such as crystallization or solid/liquid separation. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills with a track record of developing creative solutions. The ability to design and manage experimental campaigns, including data interpretation and reporting is required. Experience with processing of sedimentary ore, hydrometallurgical processes (such as those used in the extraction of alkali, alkali earth and rare earths), is an asset. Familiarity with analytical methods for such processes is strongly desired. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the clean energy sector.The role is based at our Reno, NV office and reports to the Technical Director. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and deploy experimental campaigns to develop and optimize key unit operations in a clay extraction process.Use scientific principles and creative thinking to bring new ideas and innovative solutions to address technical challenges.Drive research projects independently and manage all data flows and associated reporting.Work closely with a team of engineers, geologists, contractors and others to (a) advance process models and simulations on sound assumptions and reliable test data, (b) optimize project cost and accelerate development timelines, and (c) participate in trade-off-studies that provides solid information and feedback to the whole team.Support the evaluation and selection of advance technologies through cost/benefit analysis.Challenge team members and ideas in a constructive manner to foster an environment of innovation.Engage with relevant contractors or vendors as required.Build and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.Perform other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or relevant degree required; Masters or PhD strongly preferred.Minimum of three (3) years demonstrated work experience in an industrial research role, preferable in mining or mineral processing or hydrometallurgy.Strong understanding of mineral process engineering principles, unit operations and hydrometallurgy equipment selection & testing, and process development experience.Experience in research and development and managing technical data.Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ core cultural values of safety, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.Familiarity with analytical instrumentation and other characterization methods typically used in metallurgical processes.Impeccable organizational skills in data collection, analytics, management and reporting.Effective and open communication with the ability motivate team members toward a goal within a flat reporting structure.Demonstrated ability in developing creative solutions for addressing engineering challenges and executing upon them.Ability to multi-task and run several projects in parallel, while prioritizing and pursuing critical-path tasks on an accelerating schedule.Ability to critically challenge assumptions, “think outside the box”, and deliver creative solutions on-time, on-budget, without compromising on quality.Be a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energy.Bring a positive attitude and have fun in the workplace! We strive to create and maintain an enjoyable and comfortable work environment.Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.Working 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.