Process Engineer-Site Support

• Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tinto's innovative heap leaching technology.
• Drive sustainable solutions while accelerating your career growth.
• Role is initially based at Johnson Mine Dragoon, Arizona, USA, but will later transition to Utah, ranked #1 overall by U.S. News & World Report for quality of life and work.

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We are seeking a Process Engineer to support the roll-out of the Nuton technology at Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) Site, Arizona, developing and monitoring both site and laboratory-based test work programs supporting the operation at JCM. This role will also involve direct oversight and management of test programs at Nuton partner laboratories.

Reporting to the Technology Principal Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in the implementation and validation of Nuton technology.

The initial role accountability will be to oversee the operation of key Nuton process areas at the JCM site. This encompasses the follow up of daily operations by the site operator, highlighting issues, resolve problems, recommend changes to operation points, follow up on availability issues and implement improvements. This role also includes providing training to operators and managing change.

The process areas under your scope will include, ore crushing, agglomeration, stacking and the bacteria generation facility. The Site operates on a 7 / 24 hours basis, although the role is on the day shift from Monday to Friday, rotations during night shift and weekend are to be expected when issues arise or changes are being implemented. During this initial role you will report to our Nuton Site Manager.

For subsequent role in Salt Lake City, post the Johson camp Assignment, You role will plan and manage testwork including columns and agglomeration tests and review and analyze data to optimize process flowsheets and process unit operations, providing critical inputs to the achievement of optimized operational results. This work will support existing operations and also feed in the process engineering building blocks of the Nuton Technology Packages, ensuring that the Nuton technology is successfully integrated into the future design, construction, and operation of new plants.

Nuton, Rio Tinto’s latest entrepreneurial venture, is a suite of innovative, bio-heap leaching technologies that harness natural processes to unlock new sources of critical metals. Nuton not only pushes the boundaries of copper recovery but also sets a new standard for sustainability in mining. Learn more about Nuton here Our Technology - Nuton

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading facility commissioning, Ramp-up, improvements, training of operators and management of change
• Plan, conduct, lead, and analyze Nuton testwork programs at on-site internal laboratory facilities, as well as at external commercial laboratories. This includes testing ore samples for their amenability to Nuton operating conditions and to optimize operating parameters
• Lead setting up of a new partner testing facility in Tucson, AZ, to analyze and test ores from our first industrial-scale deployment site at Johnson Camp Mine, as well as from other potential partner sites.
• Provide technical support to the Technology Principal Advisor and Node Leads involved in the commissioning, ramp-up and operation of the JCM Nuton deployment.
• Provide and / or review technical design and engineering specifications as needed by the broader Nuton team.

What you’ll bring

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• A tertiary qualification in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Experience in the operation and support of bacteria generation units (Bio reactors)
• Strong data analysis skills
• Strong problem-solving ability incorporating troubleshooting of technical and complex issues
• A minimum of 6 years of heap leach test work and / or operational experience, preferably in copper heap leaching. Experience in agglomeration and stacking operations will be considered favorable.
• Good understanding of sampling theory and experimental statistical analysis/design
• Ability to work in multi-functional and multi-disciplinary teams and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization and external vendors and stakeholders.

Benefits offered

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement options that include a 6% company contribution to a defined plan, 401(k) matching, and a share ownership program.
• Generous time-off opportunities include paid time off, holidays, bereavement leave, and four months of parental leave for all parents.
• Comprehensive health plans covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and additional voluntary benefits.
• Access to wellness initiatives, including employee discounts and an employee assistance program for confidential support.

Where you’ll be working

The role will be based in Tucson, Arizona and include an initial assignment to Melbourne, VIC, Australia, at the Bundoora Technical Development Centre.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.