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

• Annual short-term incentive bonus recognising individual and business performance
• PLS employee share scheme
• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Paid community leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and Company Chaplains
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

The opportunity

Reporting to the Process Control Systems Lead as part of the Digital Technology Team, the Process Control Systems Engineer will be responsible for will be responsible for the maintenance, and optimisation of process control systems and automation infrastructure supporting processing operations.

This role requires strong technical expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems and industrial networking to ensure reliable operation of critical production systems. The engineer will work closely with operational teams, vendors, and the broader technology team to deliver effective solutions that minimise downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

This is a permanent full-time position based at our West Perth office, near the City West train station, with regular site travel to Pilgangoora operations.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain, configure, program, and commission PLC systems, SCADA applications, and process control networks for processing plant operations
• Perform detailed troubleshooting and root cause analysis of control system faults and performance issues
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through automation enhancements and process optimisation
• Maintain and develop documentation including functional specifications, network diagrams, as-built drawings, procedures, registers and other documentation
• Ensure control system designs comply with relevant standards, safety requirements, and best practice
• Provide technical support for operational technology infrastructure
• Perform software updates, patches, and version upgrades in accordance with change management procedures
• Participate in on-call rotation to provide after-hours support for critical production systems
• Maintain spare parts inventory and coordinate equipment procurement with vendors

About you

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in process control systems within mining or processing operating environment
• Strong practical knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric Modicon, SEL RTAC) and SCADA platforms (Ignition & AVEVA Plant SCADA).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (OPC, MQTT, Modbus TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP) and IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
• Understanding of process control networks including ring and star topologies, managed switches, VLANs, and network segmentation principles.
• Desirable to have knowledge of electrical distribution systems, motor control centres, variable speed drives, and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
• Experience with advanced process control strategies and optimisation techniques (desirable).
• Familiarity with AI tools and their application in engineering and automation workflows (desirable).
• Familiarity with multiple industrial standards such as IEC 61131-3, ASM Consortium (desirable).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles for OT environments (desirable).
• Familiarity with Operational Technology (OT) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) (desirable).
• Experience with alarm management and rationalisation (desirable).
• Experience with ERP (Pronto) (desirable).

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.