Systems Support EngineerRoleWe are seeking a Systems Support Engineer to join our Information Technology Department. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the stability, security, and performance of the Thacker Pass IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and software applications. You will be required to diagnose complex technical issues, provide technical support, manage system backups, and frequently collaborate with IT teams and external vendors to maintain high up time. 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 Digital and Data Operations Manager. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.
Key Responsibilities - Support and maintain Operational Technology systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Process Historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI / AVEVA), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and industrial sensors and instrumentation
- Assist with integration between OT and IT systems, ensuring reliable data flow from the plant floor to enterprise applications
- Coordinate with process and instrumentation engineers to support control system changes, patching, and lifecycle management in accordance with change control procedures
- Monitor OT network health and respond to alarms, faults, or anomalies impacting production systems
- Proactively monitor system performance, hardware health, and network uptime; escalate and resolve issues before they impact operations
- Diagnosing and resolving incidents across server, network, endpoint, and OT layers, often under operational pressure with production implications
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, changes, and asset configurations in CMMS or ITSM platforms
- Administer and maintain servers (Linux preferred; Windows Server experience beneficial) across site infrastructure
- Support virtualized environments (VMware / Hyper-V) and contribute to virtual machine lifecycle management
- Manage site networking infrastructure including switches, firewalls, and VLANs, with working knowledge of TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, and network segmentation (including IT/OT demilitarized zones)
- Maintain endpoint systems including ruggedized workstations, HMI terminals, and corporate laptops
- Support backup, recovery, and patching processes across both IT and OT environments
- Apply OT cybersecurity best practices aligned with frameworks such as IEC 62443 or NIST SP 800-82, including network segmentation, access control, and vulnerability management
- Support IT/OT security monitoring and assist in responding to alerts or anomalies
- Ensure systems comply with site security policies and relevant regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with process engineers, operations, and IT/digital teams to understand system needs and deliver practical solutions
- Document systems, procedures, and configurations to support knowledge sharing and continuity
- Participate in project planning and contribute to site digital improvement initiatives
- Champion a culture aligned with Lithium Americas' Purpose, Vision, and Values
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in information technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in IT, OT, or digital systems environments, ideally within mining, resources, chemicals, or heavy industry
- Demonstrated experience with OT systems such as DCS, SCADA, Process Historian, LIMS, or industrial instrumentation
- Solid Linux systems administration skills (RHEL or Ubuntu), with comfort working in command-line environments
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, and IT/OT network segmentation
- Familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware preferred)
- Understanding of service management methodologies (ITIL)
- Understanding of OT cybersecurity principles and frameworks such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design and implement scalable solutions
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, analyze complex technical problems, and deliver practical solutions in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical, engineering, and operations teams
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas' Purpose, Vision, and Values
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) in an industrial or hybrid environment (preferred)
- Exposure to AVEVA PI / OSIsoft PI System administration (preferred)
- Experience supporting systems through capital project commissioning and handover phases (preferred)
- Relevant certifications such as GICSP, CCNA, LPIC, or similar (preferred)
Working at Lithium AmericasAt 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.
