Senior Process Engineer

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.