Operator Mechanic

About Rio Tinto: Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, 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 and meet opportunities.

About Rio Tinto Lithium: On 5 March 2025, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium and combined it with its Rincon asset to form Rio Tinto Lithium, establishing Rio Tinto as a global leader in the supply of energy transition materials and one of the world’s top lithium producers.

Position Summary : Responsible for day-to-day operation of the chemical processing plant to safely meet the area quality and production targets.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Operates area equipment utilizing various process controls systems.
• Collects and interprets process information for troubleshooting and making process changes as needed per standard operating procedures.
• Location: Bessemer City, NC Reports To: BCX Crew Lead
• Completes all applicable permits and job walk-downs for Maintenance and Contractor work (i.e. Lockout/Tag-out, Safe Work, Confined Space Entry, Line Break, etc.).
• Enters near miss or incident reports into Safety database. Takes appropriate action to resolve then provides information to enable root cause analysis through an incident investigation.
• Actively participates in the Behavior-Based Safety program.
• Responsible for maintaining 5S standards in production areas.
• Complies with all circuit, regulatory, and safety training.
• Performs daily safety inspections
• Participates and supports Process Safety activities.
• Observes processing and auxiliary equipment to detect malfunctions then repairs or submits a request for repairs.
• Responsible to enter production data into VDBs, log/batch sheets, databases and systems (SAP).
• Drives forklift to move material to and from process areas.
• Samples and tests or submits requests for tests of process samples using LQM and makes required adjustments.
• Performs productivity maintenance tasks using basic hand tools.
• May participate on the PERT team as an entry member.
• Collects and interprets information for making decisions from instruments and computers.
• Other duties may be assigned.
  
  

Education And Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one to two years related experience preferably in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Knowledge And Skill Requirements

• Ability to operate multiple circuits.
• Uses logic and appropriate methods to successfully troubleshoot and solve difficult problems.
• Skilled in operating all area equipment and had the ability to run more than one unit at a time when required.
• Uses the computer to accurately enter information and data into Arcadium Lithium business systems.
• Uses effective oral and written communication.
• Maintains RCRA/Hazardous Waste handling skills including but not limited to awareness and satellite waste accumulation, container labeling, dating, and closure, transfer of waste containers, storage of waste containers, and hazardous material spill response.
  
  

Safety Requirements: (position and location specific) All employees are expected to carry out their work functions in a healthy and safe manner, to encourage and support safe work practices at all times, and to report and/or rectify any unsafe conditions that may come to their attention immediately.

Physical Demands: (position and location specific) The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment: (position and location specific) The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Personal Protective Equipment – (position specific) Must wear PPE as required based on job duties or when traveling to locations where PPE is essential.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RIO TINTO LITHIUM employs people across a broad range of occupations in locations across the world. We are looking for people to join us in creating, developing, and improving our products, our processes, and our markets. Employees enjoy competitive compensation, a menu of work/life benefits and opportunities to continue developing their skills and building their career.

RIO TINTO LITHIUM is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO, AAE, MFDV and supports a drug free workplace.