Principal Process Engineer

Our client is scaling a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction platform from a 5,000 BPD facility into 100,000 BPD commercial operations. The first 100,000 BPD is scheduled for commissioning in December 2026. A second 100,000 BPD facility is targeted for Q1 2027, with additional facilities planned thereafter as the platform scales. This role will serve as the senior technical authority across these facilities. Initially focused on stabilizing and optimizing operations at the 5,000 BPD unit, the successful candidate will transition into technical oversight of commercial-scale plants as they come online. As additional facilities are commissioned, this individual will provide technical oversight to site-based engineers, act as the escalation point during major process events, and establish the standards required to ensure consistent performance across all operations. This is a build phase leadership opportunity bridging pilot-scale learning and repeatable commercial execution. Relocation to Midland, Texas is required to accept the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Own plant performance across recovery, uptime, throughput, and process stability. Provide senior technical leadership across Direct Lithium Extraction and downstream refining circuits. Lead troubleshooting during upset conditions and major process deviations. Establish operating standards and technical procedures to support replication across multiple facilities. Mentor and develop graduate engineers through a structured apprenticeship model. Support commissioning and ramp-up of new commercial facilities. Champion site safety culture and process safety standards. Ensure environmental compliance and regulatory adherence. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on recovery optimization and cost control Act as the senior escalation point for technical and operational risk across operating sites

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline 10 to 15 years of hands on, plant level operational experience in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, brine processing, industrial water treatment, or comparable aqueous process environments Demonstrated experience operating and optimising continuous process circuits in a live production setting Experience in one or more of the following areas: Hydrometallurgical circuits such as CIL or metal leaching systems; Brine-based or lithium processing operations; Resin absorption and regeneration or column-based ion exchange systems; Industrial wastewater treatment or other large-scale aqueous processing systems Strong understanding of plant flow, pumps, piping, valves, and overall facility operations Experience supporting commissioning, ramp up, and steady-state optimisation U.S. citizenship, Green Card, or applicbale Visa is required #J-18808-Ljbffr Intelligenciia