Mechanical Engineer

About Rio Tinto: Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, 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 and meet opportunities.

About Rio Tinto Lithium: On 5 March 2025, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium and combined it with its Rincon asset to form Rio Tinto Lithium, establishing Rio Tinto as a global leader in the supply of energy transition materials and one of the world's top lithium producers. 

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a motivated and action-oriented Mechanical Engineer-In-Training to join our dynamic team at Rio Tinto's Toronto R&D Center and lithium pilot production site. This is a hands-on role with high-impact in a start-up style environment where you will play a key part in the innovation and scale-up of our patented lithium metal production technology. Join our small team of high-performance engineers and technicians, as we embark on the exciting journey of commercializing a new technology by conducting process optimization testing, process piloting and scale-up to a commercial-scale production unit. This is an opportunity to learn all about lithium from experienced engineers at one of the industry's leading lithium companies, as you work on developing the next-generation technology for lithium production.

The Mechanical Engineer-In-Training will be responsible for designing, conducting and analyzing developmental test work, and operating the pilot production unit for the development of the new lithium electrolysis cell at the Toronto R&D Center. You will work with a cross-functional team to ensure alignment between HSE, pilot plant operations and the Technical Center in Bessemer City (North Carolina). Your main responsibilities will include:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design CAD models and drawings of key process equipment in close collaboration with senior mechanical engineers.
• Develop test plans and design, procure and execute the associated test work to conduct equipment longevity testing and process characterization. Analyze the results and integrate the learnings into the overall lithium production unit.
• Lead the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of critical components for the pilot production unit.
• Coordinate and manage relations with fabrication shops and vendors to procure equipment for tests and pilot production while ensuring on-time and high-quality delivery. 
• Participate actively in operating the lithium production unit during extended pilot operation runs to validate the technology.
• Assist with the casting and glove box operation to produce lithium metal ingots and prepare metal samples for chemical analysis.
• Provide inputs and implement design improvements to the lithium casting unit to off-take the lithium metal from the pilot production units.
• Support the site's safety goals through safety observations, safety improvement projects and developing key standard operating procedures.
• Work safely with high-temperatures furnaces and molten lithium metal and salts using the appropriate PPE and adhering to the plant safety protocols.
• Participate in process hazard assessments to identify and execute opportunities for improvement during lithium electrolysis process testing and pilot production runs
• Conduct calculations on designed equipment to ensure they meet safety requirements
• Lead troubleshooting and incident investigations, identifying root causes and appropriate corrective actions to improve safety and operation of the new electrolysis cell.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field required/preferred, or a combination of education and relevant experience. 
• Minimum of 2 years' of experience in operational (preferred) / fabrication environment.
• Experience in metal processing industry a plus.
• Candidates must hold registration or be eligible for registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or a Professional Engineer in Canada.
• Vendor management and procurement experience a plus.
• Working with high temperature equipment (in excess of 550˚C) a plus. 
• Working with low voltage / high amperage systems a plus . 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Process safety knowledge and a safety-first attitude 
• Comfortable being in a plant/production environment
• Comfortable/eager to conduct hands-on activities with power tools
• Equipment design and sizing
• Proficient in CAD and Solidworks
• Competent with Microsoft Office 
• Planning and project management
• Comfortable to think-outside-the-box to design and test novel equipment
• Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting of process issues
• Interpersonal skills and self-awareness

Safety Requirements: (position and location specific) All employees are expected to carry out their work functions in a healthy and safe manner, to encourage and support safe work practices at all times, and to report and/or rectify any unsafe conditions that may come to their attention immediately.

Physical Demands: (position and location specific) The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment: (position and location specific) The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Personal Protective Equipment – (position specific) Must wear PPE as required based on job duties or when traveling to locations where PPE is essential.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

RIO TINTO LITHIUM employs people across a broad range of occupations in locations across the world. We are looking for people to join us in creating, developing, and improving our products, our processes, and our markets. Employees enjoy competitive compensation, a menu of work/life benefits and opportunities to continue developing their skills and building their career. 

RIO TINTO LITHIUM is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO, AAE, MFDV and supports a drug free workplace.