Principal Engineer - Processing

Lead global process engineering initiatives that improve plant performance, safety, cost efficiency and operational outcomes.Influence business strategy, R&D priorities and international technical committees while growing as a recognized technical expert.Opportunity to collaborate across a global technical network and drive enterprise-wide impact, role based in Salt Lake City, UtahWe're Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer - Processing to provide technical leadership across processing operations. This role is recognised as an expert-level position that leads strategic initiatives, supports business units in solving complex process challenges, and connects operational priorities with technology and research agendas. Reporting to Chief Adviser Processing & Asset Managment you key responsibilities include:What you'll be doingLead multidisciplinary teams and strategic initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in safety, productivity, quality and cost performance.Support operations in resolving significant process issues by developing countermeasures and corrective action plans.Coordinate international technical committees and promote best practices across operations.Develop strategic plans, identify key challenges and provide recommendations during annual planning cycles.Define and monitor product and process improvement plans to ensure continuous operational improvement.Prioritize technical projects and connect sites with internal and external specialist resources.Establish R&D programs based on business needs and align research, strategy and operational objectives.Conduct technical audits, drive action plan implementation and coach engineers and technical professionals.About YouOur commitment to safety is at the core of everything we do. We are looking for someone who demonstrates a strong personal commitment to safety and care for people.Essential requirementsDegree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline.Extensive experience supporting and optimising industrial processing or metallurgical operations.Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, cross-functional projects and business improvement initiatives.Experience analyzing complex process issues and implementing sustainable solutions.Strong understanding of process optimisation, operational excellence and continuous improvement methodologies.Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate technical insights into business outcomes.Desirable criteriaExperience supporting large copper concentrating operations with improvement projects and day to day operationsExperience with supporting copper leaching operationsExposure to global operations, technical networks or international committees.Experience conducting technical audits and mentoring engineering teams.Experience deploying new technologies or contributing to R&D programs.Experience supporting project technical and economic reviews and approvalsWhat we offer Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.A work environment where safety is always the number one priorityCompetitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonusAccess to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefitsExcellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching programAttractive share ownership planComprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leaveA generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new familyDiscount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeingAccess to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challengesWhere you'll be workingThe Rio Tinto Copper technical group is a global organization with operations and projects in the U.S. (Kennecott Utah Copper, "RTKC", and Resolution Copper Project, Mongolia (Oyu Tolgoi), and Western Australia (Winu Cu-Au project). The portfolio also includes interests in a non-managed joint venture in Chile, in addition to exploration & evaluation interests and other minor investments.About Rio TintoRio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.Respect and InclusionRio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit for more information.SummaryLocation: Salt Lake CityType: Full time