Senior Project Metallurgist
- 494891
- Perth, WA
- Studies & Engineering
- Permanent
About PLS
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 Group Advisory - Metallurgy, this role will lead and deliver high-quality metallurgical study work for the Colina lithium project and Pilgangoora improvement projects, sitting within the Head Office Group Metallurgy team. This role will be responsible for owning the metallurgical development of study phases from scoping through to feasibility, developing and optimising process flowsheets and test work programs, and acting as the key technical interface with external engineering houses.
This is a permanent full-time role based at our West Perth office, conveniently located near the City West train station.
Key responsibilities
- Lead metallurgical study delivery across all project phases, from scoping through to feasibility and detailed engineering
- Develop and optimise process flowsheets, test work programs, and process design criteria
- Manage and coordinate metallurgical test work programs across internal teams and external laboratories
- Analyse test work data to identify process improvements, cost efficiencies, and performance enhancements
- Act as the key technical interface with external engineering houses, ensuring deliverables meet quality, schedule, and budget requirements
- Collaborate with site and project teams to ensure study outputs are practical, operationally aligned, and fit-for-purpose
- Prepare and present technical reports, study documentation, and outcomes to stakeholders
- Provide input into process design reviews, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments
- Support development of metallurgical standards, frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives
About you
- Degree qualified in Metallurgical, Chemical or related engineering discipline
- Demonstrated experience in mineral processing studies and plant design, ideally across multiple project phases.
- Strong experience managing metallurgical test work programs and interpreting data to inform process design
- Proven ability to work with external engineering consultants and manage technical deliverables
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional project teams and influence stakeholders
- Solid understanding of safety and environmental requirements within mineral processing
- Exposure to lithium or hard rock processing projects will be highly regarded
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.
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