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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 senior role serves as a critical technical bridge between laboratory testwork, conceptual process design and detailed engineering execution. As part of the Group’s strategic move into the in-house production of lithium chemicals, you will translate testwork findings into robust engineering outcomes and support the technical evaluation of future investment opportunities.

Following the construction of our Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant at Pilgangoora, you will work closely with the Chemical Engineer to translate laboratory and pilot-scale results into process engineering flowsheets, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications. You will develop process simulation models, prepare engineering studies, evaluate technology vendors, and provide technical input that informs strategic investment decisions.

You will act as a key technical interface with engineering consultancies and design houses, ensuring our process and chemical engineering concepts are accurately translated into engineering deliverables. A further focus will be the technical evaluation of emerging lithium processing technologies and novel extraction techniques, assessing their potential application to PLS’s operations and future projects.

The role is based at our West Perth office, less than 100m from the City West train station, with occasional travel to Pilgangoora as required to build familiarity with the MSDP and support its commissioning, ramp-up and operation.

Key responsibilities

• Gain intimate familiarity with the Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant flowsheet.
• Translate testwork results and pilot plant data into engineering outcomes, including the development of BFDs, PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances and preliminary equipment sizing, working closely with the Chemical Engineer to ensure results are accurately captured in process designs.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models using Excel and SysCAD to evaluate process alternatives, optimise operating conditions and support engineering studies.
• Support the development of engineering studies into lithium chemicals production, contributing process engineering input, capital and operating cost estimates, and participating in technical risk assessments.
• Participate in the evaluation of emerging lithium processing technologies and novel extraction techniques, and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base of lithium processing technologies.
• Maintain detailed technical files and engineering documentation.
• Participate in risk workshops (HAZID, HAZOP, SIL and LOPA) as required.

About you

• Degree in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering or process engineering.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in process engineering, including flowsheet development, mass and energy balancing, and process design for hydrometallurgical or chemical plants.
• Strong process engineering fundamentals and unit operation design.
• Proven experience working with engineering consultancies or design houses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate competing process alternatives and provide technically sound recommendations.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, engineering studies and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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.

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.