Process Engineer Intern (Lithium Americas, Pack Intern, Summer 2026)
SUMMER 2026
**This internship is hosted by Lithium Americas and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS).
Students are highly encouraged to visit the Nevada Career Studio during our drop-in hours or use our Virtual Resume & Cover Letter Review service BEFORE applying for these positions. Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS expectations will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
About Lithium Americas: Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building, and operating lithium projects and chemical processing facilities that support the global transition to cleaner energy. Our flagship project, Thacker Pass, located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada, is the world’s largest known measured lithium resource and reserve and plays a critical role in strengthening domestic supply chains and advancing energy independence.
At Lithium Americas, we are committed to safely and responsibly bringing Thacker Pass into production while minimizing environmental impact, creating meaningful, family-supporting careers, and generating long-term sustainable value for our communities and stakeholders.
As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a project of national significance while gaining hands-on experience alongside industry professionals in engineering, operations, environmental stewardship, and corporate functions. We foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace where curiosity, innovation, and professional growth are encouraged.
Lithium Americas is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with U.S. operations and offices in Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada. The Company’s shares are publicly traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol LAC.
Internship Description:
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.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Complete a minimum of 360 hours of work as an intern (32-40 hours per week, 9 weeks minimum)
- 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:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate OR graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno after the Spring ‘26 semester
- Spring ‘26 or earlier graduates are not eligible for Nevada Career Studio Sponsored Internships
- 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.
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm
Nevada Career Studio Sponsored Internships require interns to complete a minimum of 360 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.