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The lead process engineer - lithium is a senior-level position responsible for leading and executing projects that support the safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective development of lithium and other mineral resources. This role applies advanced engineering principles, best industrial practices, and human performance tools to support plant operations at the BHE Renewables direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in Calipatria, CA. The position applies technical expertise to complex projects and develops process enhancements. Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize process performance, improve equipment and system reliability, and ensure design efficiency in support of plant operations and continuous improvement. Mentors less experienced engineers. Works closely with the team to advance lithium and mineral development.
Responsibilities

• Coordinates and leads internal and external resources to ensure the successful execution and delivery of assigned mineral development projects.
• Responsibilities include project planning, scheduling, and overall project management while maintaining a Target Zero safety mindset.
• Evaluates facility performance and provides recommendations to the plant manager regarding process improvement and operational optimization.
• Analyzes operational data to identify and resolve process issues while maximizing facility performance.
• Prepare and present analytical reports to communicate key operational insights to the team.
• Reviews project designs, process documentation, and standard operating and testing procedures to ensure compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements and applicable codes and specifications.
• Provides technical leadership in coordinating process development activities and resolving engineering design and testing issues.
• Generates and/or reviews heat and mass balances as required, performs detailed equipment and process design calculations and develops technical specifications.
• Recommends and implements facility and equipment performance testing related to the reliability, operability and efficiency of the specific equipment and its integration with plant operations.
• Support pilot, demonstration, commercial-scale testing and operations.
• Responds to operational needs and provides technical services to operations as required.
• Maintains close coordination with operations and other functional teams to evaluate equipment performance, recommend design/specification improvements, monitor project performance trends, and identify technology upgrades to enhance facility operations.
• Provides technical mentorship, guidance, and supervision to process engineers and interns to support their professional development and technical competence.
• Perform additional responsibilities, including special projects, as requested, or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or mechanical engineering with at least 10 years of experience as a practicing engineer in an industrial environment such as refinery, mineral processing facility, chemical plant or water treatment facility.
• This is an operations focused role.
• Candidates must be willing to work in a lithium recovery manufacturing plant located in Calipatria, California.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Must possess effective interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and relationship-building skills.
• Able to mentor and provide direction to process engineers, as needed.
• Must demonstrate effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Must be able to make clear and precise decisions in critical situations.
• Must have ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and issues concurrently.
• Must have the ability to use technical skills to focus ideas onto substantial projects.
• Must show a willingness to learn, as well as to clearly communicate complex ideas and concepts to those with less technical background.
• A valid driver's license is required.

About Us
BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.
Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals - preparation, planning and attention to detail - holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.
About the Team
BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.