Job Overview & Organization Mission

Advance your professional career at Pilbara Minerals as Process Engineer (Mid-Stream Operations) in Pilbara, WA, driving operational performance across key lithium assets.

Pilbara Minerals is currently recruiting an experienced and dedicated Process Engineer (Mid-Stream Operations) to join the team in Pilgangoora, Pilbara, WA, Australia. Operating on a 8/6 FIFO roster from Perth, this role reports directly to the Senior Process Engineer and is responsible for delivering high-standard operational deliverables that underpin safe, continuous production.

Based at the world-class Pilgangoora lithium operation—the largest independent hard-rock lithium deposit globally—you will be an essential contributor to fixed plant reliability, mobile equipment availability, and metallurgical processing excellence powering the international battery and electric vehicle markets.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Hydrometallurgical Flowsheet Optimization: Deliver professional day-to-day process engineering support to operations, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable plant performance.
• Mass & Energy Balance Calculations: Deliver dedicated operational support to commissioning, start-up and ramp-up activities, capturing lessons learned to optimise performance.
• Thermal Processing & Calcination Analysis: Rigorously track and monitor plant KPIs (throughput, recovery, yield, reagent use) and drive corrective actions to improve performance.
• Process Commissioning Support: Investigate process upsets and equipment issues using data analysis to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Chemical Plant Debottlenecking Studies: Spearhead and guide process optimisation initiatives, including trials and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and cost performance.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Pilbara Minerals, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical / Metallurgical / Process)
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 3 – 6 Years of verified operational mining or industrial experience in Australia.
• Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering Degree: Degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering with relevant process engineering experience.
• Hydrometallurgy or Mineral Refining Background: Proven experience in hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical or chemical processing environments.
• Data Historian Software (PI System): Strong understanding of plant operations, process flowsheets, unit operations and control systems (DCS/SCADA).
• Problem Solving & Analytical Rigor: Analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot process issues and drive data-informed improvements.
• FIFO Operational Readiness: Solid knowledge of safety and environmental requirements within a mining or chemical processing environment.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Pilbara Minerals, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$145,000 – AU$175,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%). (Salary structure is not officially stated by the employer; this represents the general industry standard for this position in Western Australia.)
• Quarterly short-term incentive (STI) performance bonus recognizing operational achievements and business performance.
• Direct equity alignment through the Pilbara Minerals employee share scheme.
• Access to newly refurbished camp facilities at Pilgangoora, featuring state-of-the-art gym, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, sports oval, and scenic walking trails.
• Comprehensive paid parental leave providing 18 weeks for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers.
• Annual health and wellness subsidy, salary sacrificing for novated vehicle leasing, and paid community volunteer leave.
• Full confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company chaplains, and KidsCo school holiday programs.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work & Career Growth: Progressive culture with supported career development pathways across a high-growth ASX lithium leader.

About the Employer: Pilbara Minerals

Pilbara Minerals produces and exports high-grade lithium spodumene concentrate to global battery cathode manufacturers. Operating the world-class Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia, PLS is at the forefront of the global transition to clean energy technologies.

Pilbara Minerals is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Pilbara Minerals careers gateway.