About Lilac Solutions, Inc. 

Lilac Solutions is a lithium extraction technology company focused on scaling lithium production for the electric vehicle era. Lilac solves the critical technology problems which today prevent development of the world’s largest lithium resources: low yields, high costs, slow start-up, poor reliability, and massive environmental impacts. Lilac’s technology represents such a step-change in performance and cost that it also unlocks the development of new unconventional lithium deposits with low lithium grades and high impurities, which have historically been impossible to produce. In 2021, Lilac raised $150M in Series B financing from investors including T. Rowe Price, Lowercarbon Capital, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Sumitomo, BMW and SK Materials. Lilac is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Description

Lilac is seeking an Operations Engineering Manager to lead installation, commissioning, and operations of Lilac’s lithium extraction modules at brine pilots initially in Argentina. An individual pilot program is expected to last between 3-9 months. This person will interface with Lilac’s design and fabrication teams to assure operability and quality control. After an initial induction period at the Oakland headquarters, the role will move to Argentina. The role will be on-site during pilot commissioning and then switch to a rotation schedule. This is a full-time position.  A successful candidate will likely have had a strong track record of leading pilot plant projects in remote locations.

Location 

We are seeking a candidate based out of the United States to train in Oakland, CA and then work in South America. 

Responsibilities

• Manage installation, commissioning, and operations of Lilac’s lithium extraction pilot
• Lead a team of technical engineer specialists, operations engineers and operators
• Manage technical troubleshooting and make modifications in consultation with design and engineering teams
• Manage communications with leadership, resource owners, and onsite contractors
• Logistical problem solving
• Ensuring timelines are met in challenging remote locations
• Provide feedback on product design to engineering and manufacturing teams

Candidate Qualifications

• 10+ yrs engineering experience
• 5+ yrs leading field engineering projects, preferably pilots
• B.S. or more in Engineering
• Effective people and project management skills
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail
• Bilingual preferred in Spanish with a US work permit
• Must be able to pass a high-altitude work test

Additional Requirements:

• Must be capable of passing a high-altitude screening examination.
• Must be capable of passing a respirator use screening examination.
• May be required to pass a drug test, which may include marijuana, as required by certain laws and regulations.

Compensation

• Salary range: $100k-$180k (commensurate with experience)
• Per diems while in the field as well as during Oakland induction
• Stock options
• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Housing covered during training in Oakland
• Subsidy will be provided during field operations and any time spent in Oakland pre-deployment

EEO Statement

Lilac Solutions is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity. Lilac Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.