Process Engineer Intern

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

We are seeking a Process Engineer Intern to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the business and the future of Thacker Pass Operations. This position will be tasked with helping our process engineering team with process development and optimization by identifying, implementing, and reporting on process experiments and projects.  Responsibilities will include helping with hands on process experiments, identifying correct experimental methods, interpreting results, drawing scientifically based conclusions, and making recommendations.  The candidate must have relevant engineering experience based on classes and labs.  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 Reno, NV office and reports to the Technical Director. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist the Process Engineering Team in design and development of experiments and/or projects. 
• Actively participate in running and troubleshooting pilot plant unit operations for the extraction and processing of lithium from a clay resource. 
• Act as a critical team member within the Technical Center Team. 
• Take experimental samples and prepare for handoff to the analytical laboratory. 
• Learn basic laboratory and piloting methods for conducting and carrying out experiments. 
• Take notes, record data, and write reports required for projects or R&D initiatives. 
• Be comfortable with general tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) and assembly, disassembly, and cleaning of equipment. 
• Contribute ideas to improve the process design.  
• Help ensure a safe working environment and provide a daily commitment to zero harm to employees, contractors, environment at the Technical Center. 
• Build and maintain 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

• Currently enrolled in chemical engineering or related discipline, at the collegiate level, required. 
• Results Oriented, Flexible, and adaptable. 
• Strong computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office suite.  
• Strong Communication and Presentation Skills.
• Competencies and behavioral attributes.
  • Communication (verbal & written).
  • Interpersonal skills (internal & external).
  • Problem solving.
  • Organizing & planning.
  • Collaboration.
  • Conceptual, innovative, & creative thinking skills 
• 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.