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.
Senior Process Engineer
Company Overview
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.
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 Values
Our 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.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading and supporting Lithium Americas’ efforts in safely and effectively building, commissioning, and operating the sulfuric acid plant and lithium processing facilities at Thacker Pass. This position plays a critical role in providing advanced technical leadership and process engineering expertise to plant operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance across chemical processing systems and unit operations associated with sulfuric acid production and lithium processing.
The Senior Process Engineer will serve as a key technical authority for our processing facilities, leading troubleshooting efforts, guiding process optimization, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, a proven track record of solving complex process challenges, and deep familiarity with sulfuric acid production and chemical processing systems. This role is instrumental in establishing and advancing operating practices that support stewardship, safety, quality, and overall plant performance.
The role is based at Thacker Pass and reports to the Site Engineering Manager. Occasional travel to other Lithium Americas offices, business units, engineering partners, or vendor locations may be required.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership of and promote Lithium Nevada’s safety-first culture. Ensure strict compliance with OSHA and MSHA regulations as well as Lithium Nevada’s site-specific safety program. Perform all engineering activities with a safety-first mindset. Promote and foster employee “stop work” authority. Identify, report and mitigate safety hazards and observations as part of daily activities and safety walks. Champion safety standards and promote communication and accountability within all production areas. Support pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up activities for the Thacker Pass Mine and Lithium Processing Facility in close coordination with Mining, Commissioning, and Start-Up teams.
Lead pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up activities for the Thacker Pass Sulfuric Acid Plant and Lithium Processing Facility in coordination with the Commissioning and Start-Up team
Provide advanced technical leadership and day-to-day process engineering support to Operations, including complex troubleshooting and process optimization
Analyze and interpret process data and trends from DCS historians to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions
Lead and manage capital projects focused on improving safety, throughput, and operational efficiency
Oversee contractors and cross-functional teams executing maintenance and sustaining projects, ensuring alignment with safety and operational standards
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers, operators, contractors, and consultants
Champion and drive a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements
Develop and implement systems to track, measure, and improve plant performance, productivity, and asset utilization
Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships while reinforcing Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values
Support development and continuous improvement of operating procedures, standards, and best practices
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
10–15+ years of experience in process engineering within a chemical processing or similar industrial environment
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading plant commissioning, start-up, and operations
Strong expertise in chemical process engineering principles, unit operations, and process optimization
Familiarity with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and/or MSHA regulations preferred
Proven leadership experience, including mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex technical challenges
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Teams, etc.)
Experience with DCS control systems and data historian platforms
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive initiatives forward
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset
Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values
Working at Lithium Americas
At 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 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 10-15+ years of process engineering experience in chemical processing or a similar industrial environment
- Experience supporting or leading plant commissioning, start-up, and operations
- Strong expertise in chemical process engineering principles, unit operations, and process optimization
- Leadership experience, including mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and Teams
- Experience with DCS control systems and data historian platforms
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Familiarity with OSHA Process Safety Management and/or MSHA regulations
- Personal commitment to the company's purpose, vision, and values
What We Do
Currently, Lithium Americas is focused on advancing Thacker Pass, the largest-known lithium resource in North America, to production. Construction commenced in early 2023 and is expected to create 1,800 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs during operations of its 40-year mine life.
