- Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tinto's innovative heap leaching technology.
- Drive sustainable solutions while accelerating your career growth.
- Permanent role based in Salt Lake City, Utah
About the roleWe are looking for 2 x Senior Metallurgical Engineerto support Nuton technology development and delivery through laboratory testwork, technical analysis and technology transfer activities. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex hydrometallurgical programmes, helping optimise operating parameters and develop processing solutions that can be applied across a global portfolio. It is ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging metallurgical problems, collaborating across disciplines and influencing the adoption of innovative technologies.
What you'll be doingReporting to the Technology Development Manager you will:
- Plan, lead and analyse Nuton laboratory and external testwork programmes to evaluate ore amenability and optimise operating conditions.
- Interpret technical data and resolve complex metallurgical and process-related challenges to support project outcomes.
- Develop and execute hydrometallurgical test programmes, considering operating requirements and global supply constraints.
- Coordinate technicians, engineers and delivery partners to meet technical specifications, quality requirements and project timelines.
- Evaluate programme progress and test results, identifying opportunities to improve performance and technology integration.
- Provide technical input, engineering specifications and processing design criteria in collaboration with the Nuton Technology Transfer team.
- Partner with process engineers and project managers to deliver technology transfer activities for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coach colleagues and share technical expertise to strengthen team capability and continuous improvement.
About youWe're looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every "helpful for success" item to apply; if you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for Success
- A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated capability in designing and managing hydrometallurgical testwork programmes and/or pilot plant trials, with the ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Proven experience interpreting metallurgical testwork data, solving complex process challenges and delivering outcomes in a technical or industrial environment.
- Experience working with laboratory testwork methodologies, process development tools and technical reporting processes.
- Ability to travel up to 50% to support project, laboratory and customer engagement activities.
Helpful for Success
- Postgraduate qualifications in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
- Previous leadership, mentoring or project coordination experience.
- Experience supporting technology transfer, process design development or commercial laboratory programmes.
What we offerBe recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
- Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
- Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
- A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges
Where you'll be workingNuton® is an innovative venture helping to grow Rio Tinto's copper business by unlocking new value from low-grade copper resources, waste, and tailings. Built on nearly 30 years of research and development, Nuton® combines proprietary copper leaching technologies with strong environmental performance supporting more efficient water use, lower carbon emissions, and the reclamation of mine sites through reprocessing. Learn more about Nuton here Our Technology - Nuton