Process Engineer: Pilot Plant Operations

 Lithium Americas is a development-stage company with a focus on developing a sustainable, diversified supply of lithium chemicals that underpin the future of energy storage and mobile transportation.  We unlock value through safe operation of our sites, understanding the key value drivers and needs of our customers and the communities in which we operate, and taking an innovative and practical approach to the challenges we face.  We work closely as an organization and with key stakeholders to deliver solutions.

 Role

 The Process Engineer will be tasked with supporting Lithium Nevada’s efforts in building and operating an integrated continuous pilot plant. The role serves as an operations crew technical lead to run and troubleshoot the continuous pilot plant. The pilot plant will serve unit operations for clay acid leaching and neutralization, crystallization, chemical precipitations, solid/liquid separations, and ion exchange. A major aspect of the role is the ability to interpret data to gauge circuit efficiency and to troubleshoot the process in real time. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills with a track record of problem solving and will be familiar with typical hydrometallurgical processing equipment.

The position will be based in Reno, Nevada. Travel to partners, site and vendors may be required. Night shift coverage will be required as needed.

 Responsibilities

 As a key member of the team, we would look to you to deliver on the following:

• Run and troubleshoot a continuous pilot plant that includes key unit operations in a clay extraction process.
• Act as a technical lead managing an operations crew of 6-8 people.
• Manage data flows and associated reporting of samples throughout the plant.
• Work closely with the process team to interpret data, troubleshoot pilot plant equipment and formulate ideas for process changes and improvements.
• Engage with relevant contractors or vendors as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or relevant degree required.
• Three or more years’ experience serving as a technical lead for analytical methods in mineral and hydrometallurgical processes preferred.
• Prior experience in a supervisory role preferred
• Strong understanding of chemical process engineering principles, unit operations, hydrometallurgy equipment selection & testing, and process development experience.
• The ability to design and manage experimental campaigns, including data management, interpretation and reporting is required.
• Experience with large scale mineral and hydrometallurgical processes is preferred.
• Pilot plant experience is a plus.
• 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 or chemical processes.
• Effective and open verbal and written skills with the ability motivate team members toward a goal within a flat reporting structure.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate several projects in parallel, while prioritizing and pursuing critical-path tasks on an accelerating schedule.
• Ability to work well with others internal and external to the organization in an effective manner.
• Ability to critically challenge assumptions, “think outside the box”, and deliver creative solutions.
• 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.

   Lithium Nevada Corp. (LNC) is a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC). Lithium Americas Corp. is a Canadian publicly listed company with two advanced-stage lithium development projects, in Argentina and Nevada, USA. We value diversity in the workplace and are committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

 EOE