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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

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…