Production Engineer

Lithium Nevada, LLC; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithium Americas seeks a Sulfuric Acid Production Engineer to provide technical process engineering support for the design finalization, commissioning, start-up, optimization, and ongoing operation of the SA1 plant at Thacker Pass. You will collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering and commissioning teams to ensure safe, compliant, reliable plant performance.

Responsibilities include monitoring process performance, leading OEE improvements, and supporting KPI/reporting development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or related field.
• Experience in chemical processing, refining, mining or heavy industrial operations (0–5 years).
• Understanding of sulfuric acid process systems and unit operations.
• Experience supporting commissioning, start-up or operational readiness activities.
• Knowledge of OSHA, PSM and environmental compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for sulfur-burning sulfuric acid process systems.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and operations readiness activities for SA1 systems.
• Monitor plant process performance and analyze operations data.
• Lead the SA1 OEE program to drive reliability and continuous improvement.
• Identify bottlenecks and develop corrective actions with operations teams.
• Assist in developing KPIs and reporting metrics related to production and reliability.
• Participate in process-safety initiatives such as HAZOPs, PHAs, and MOCs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Time management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Position

We are seeking a Sulfuric Acid Production Engineer to provide technical process engineering support for the design finalization, commissioning, start‑up, optimization, and ongoing operation of the Sulfuric Acid Plant (SA1) and associated utility systems at Thacker Pass. The role supports safe, environmentally compliant, and reliable plant performance by working closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and commissioning teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day technical support for the sulfur‑burning sulfuric acid process systems.
• Support commissioning, start‑up, and operations readiness activities for SA1 systems and equipment.
• Monitor plant process performance and analyze operations data.
• Lead the SA1 OEE program to drive reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Identify process bottlenecks, equipment issues, and operational inefficiencies and develop corrective actions.
• Support development and continuous improvement of operations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining KPIs and reporting metrics related to production, efficiency, emissions, and reliability.
• Participate in HAZOPs, PHAs, MOCs, RCAs, and other process‑safety and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports LithiumAmericas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 0‑5years of experience in chemical processing, refining, mining or heavy industrial operations.
• Experience with sulfur‑burning sulfuric acid production strongly preferred.
• Understanding of sulfuric acid process systems, unit operations, heat transfer, fluid flow, and process control systems.
• Experience supporting plant commissioning, start‑up, or operational readiness activities.
• Knowledge of process‑safety principles including OSHA, PSM and environmental compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to solve complex process and operational issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support critical‑path commissioning and operations activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerBI, etc.).
• Familiarity with DCS systems, historians and process trending tools preferred.
• Self‑motivated with strong organization and time‑management skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lithium 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.