Reliability Engineer

Role

We are seeking a Reliability Engineer to join our Maintenance Team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the robustness and longevity of systems, assets, and processes by conducting in-depth reliability analyses and applying methodologies such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify potential failure modes and their root causes. You will collaborate closely with design and engineering teams to integrate reliability considerations throughout the asset life cycle, while implementing proactive maintenance strategies, continuous improvement initiatives, and risk assessments to enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and minimize downtime. 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 Winnemucca office and reports to the Maintenance Manager. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the reliability, availability, and safe operation of equipment, processes, utilities, and safety/security systems across the facility.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and optimize asset performance.
• Conduct failure analyses, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA/RCFA), Weibull analysis, and fault tree analysis, and present findings and recommendations to management.
• Identify risks to business operations and develop corrective and preventive actions to mitigate reliability and operational impacts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on capacity, efficiency, quality, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze plant downtime and reliability data using established engineering principles to prioritize improvement opportunities and corrective actions.
• Develop, track, and communicate maintenance, reliability, availability, utilization, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the organization.
• Utilize and champion the Management of Change (MOC) process, ensuring accurate updates to equipment files and engineering documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, electrical one-lines, equipment data sheets, PSV/PRD and relief system documentation, and engineering standards.
• Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) as required.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to design, develop, monitor, and improve asset-based maintenance programs, including value-added preventive maintenance tasks and effective use of predictive and non-destructive testing methodologies.
• Identify required spare parts, equipment, materials, and consumables to support operations and develop business cases to support prioritization and procurement activities.
• Design, lead, and coordinate the implementation of engineered solutions to eliminate repetitive failures, defects, and reliability issues impacting operations.
• Support the development and execution of engineered solutions to resolve facility issues, eliminate defects, and improve reliability; may lead contract personnel on small, engineered projects.
• Utilize the Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to support work identification, planning, execution, and close-out within the overall work management process.
• Provide technical expertise, guidance, program direction, and data analysis to support plant inspections and reliability assessments.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability and availability by reducing unplanned equipment downtime and improving overall asset performance.
• Analyzing and improving Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) through proactive reliability engineering practices, failure analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) by supporting effective maintenance strategies, improving troubleshooting processes, and enhancing maintenance planning and execution.
• Builds and maintains trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, preferably Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in maintenance and/or reliability engineering within the mining, chemical processing, or similar heavy industrial environment.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret reliability, maintenance, and operational performance data to drive informed decisions.
• Demonstrated mechanical and electrical aptitude with a solid understanding of industrial equipment and systems.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• 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.