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PLS is delivering on its vision to be a leading global producer of lithium, a mineral critical to enabling the world’s transition to a more sustainably powered future.

As the owner and operator of the Pilgangoora Operation, the world’s largest independent hard-rock lithium mine, we are expanding fast, investing boldly, and building a global portfolio that positions us at the forefront of the energy transition.

Most recently, we acquired Latin Resources, adding the Colina Project in Brazil to our portfolio — strengthening our international footprint and creating new pathways for growth.

With more than 900 people employed globally, we’re building a future-focused business where talented people can create real impact. At PLS, our Values aren’t just words on a wall, they drive how we work, how we lead, and how we grow: Safety First. Great People. We Deliver. One Team. Shaping Tomorrow.

If you want to be part of an organisation that is ambitious, innovative and shaping the next era of battery minerals, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join us.

What PLS offers

• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Flexible working arrangements including an option to work 1 day from home
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises individual and business performance
• PLS employee share scheme
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Newly refurbished facilities at Pilgangoora including gym, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, sports oval, and scenic walking tracks
• Paid community leave
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

The opportunity

Reporting to the Group Advisor Chemicals, this role will drive the testwork programmes that underpin PLS’s technical and commercial lithium chemicals strategy. As part of the Group’s strategic move into the in-house production of lithium chemicals, you will help advance our understanding of lithium processing technologies and optimise our product offerings to customers.

Following the construction of our Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant at Pilgangoora, you will scope, supervise, analyse, interpret and report comprehensive chemical and metallurgical testwork. This work will investigate new areas of development for the MSDP, explore processing pathways for a range of lithium chemicals, and examine novel lithium extraction techniques, directly informing our lithium chemical product development and future chemicals investment decisions.

Working closely with the Senior Chemical Engineer, you will design testwork scopes, select and manage external laboratories, and interrogate, challenge and report results to stakeholders across our Chemicals, Studies and Operations teams. The role calls for a high degree of attention to detail and strong relationship management skills.

The role is based at our West Perth office, less than 100m from the City West train station, with periods of travel to Pilgangoora to assist with, and learn from, the commissioning, ramp-up and operation of the MSDP. Supervision of laboratory and pilot testwork programmes at external facilities will also be required.

Key responsibilities

• Gain intimate familiarity with the Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant flowsheet.
• Scope, supervise, analyse, interpret and report the results of comprehensive chemical and metallurgical laboratory testwork and piloting programmes.
• Select and manage external laboratories, supervising laboratory and pilot testwork programmes as required.
• Collaborate with the MSDP project team, Operations and other technical groups to ensure testwork findings inform plant design, operating procedures and product development strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of all testwork activities, results and learnings, building a comprehensive technical knowledge base to support ongoing decision-making and strategy development.
• Participate in risk workshops (HAZID and HAZOP) as required.

About you

• Degree in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, process engineering or chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience, including in the specification, management, analysis and interpretation of hydrometallurgical and metallurgical testwork programmes.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong commitment to safety and the environment.
• Current Western Australian Class C driver’s licence.
• Full working rights in Australia.
• The following would be highly regarded: lithium chemicals experience, hydrometallurgical plant experience, and fine chemicals production experience.

Supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce

PLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that values, respects and supports diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and the future we’re building. We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, included and able to contribute their best. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, all ages, and people of all genders and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+).

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to support all applicants and employees. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application process or inform our Careers team if you are contacted for an interview.

Our recruitment process

As part of our recruitment process, a number of checks will be conducted, including police / criminal background checks, medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence, right to work checks and reference checks.

We respectfully request agencies not to submit unsolicited resumes.

Acknowledgement of Country 

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal and Kariyarra People of the Pilbara, the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples of these lands.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their continuing connection and care for the land, water and Country.

If you would like to learn more about PLS or register for future opportunities, please visit www.pls.com.