Senior Mechanical Engineer Conversion
Job Summary
Project Background
IMERYS has launched a lithium mining project (the EMILI Project) at its Beauvoir site in Echassières (Allier, France). The EMILI Project schedule foresees production starting in 2028, with a production target of 34,000 tons of lithium hydroxide per year for at least 25 years.
The overall schedule states that by 2023 the preliminary mine design will be completed as well as the overall process validated and tested at the lab scale (several pilot plants are scheduled for Q2-Q3 2023). By 2024 the deposit will be characterized in detail and the construction of the industrial/demo pilot plant will commence. 2025 sees the commissioning of the industrial/demo pilot plant. The opening of the mine and commissioning of the commercial plant is scheduled by 2028. The projected timetable will be reassessed at each stage of the project, in particular based on the results of the environmental impact assessments and stakeholder consultations.
The run of mine material will be first concentrated to separate the lithium bearing minerals (mica) from other by-products or waste material. The concentrate is transported to the refining site where it will be calcined with a mix of sulphate salts to convert the insoluble lithium species to lithium soluble ones. After calcination the calcined material is leached and the pregnant leach solution purified through several steps in the flowsheet. Lithium carbonate is precipitated using sodium carbonate and later converted to lithium hydroxide using quicklime. The lithium hydroxide is finally crystallized to obtain the final product in powder form. It can then be marketed to companies in the electric vehicle battery industry.
More information available in the website:
Job Objective
Senior Mechanical Engineer for a converter with main responsibility to lead and oversee the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and processes within a converter facility. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the converter.
To provide Owner’s guidance and supervision to engineering and design companies engaged to develop the various stages of the EMILI project for converter mechanical engineering.
Ensure that designs are in accordance with project requirements and company objectives and are produced in a timely and cost-effective manner.
To work in a safe manner, complying with and actively contributing to the Health, Safety and Environmental HSE policies, manuals and procedures. At all times considering the health, safety and welfare of fellow workers, visitors, clients, community and the environment.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Check and Approve technical specifications, contract specifications, calculations, reports, design criteria and other documents done by Engineering contractors required by the project
Oversight Engineering contractors and specialized company while producing designs in accordance with project, discipline, statutory regulations, good-practice and company procedural requirements.
Ensure design is completed as per assigned scope.
Ensure designs produced are optimal in terms of maintainability, serviceability, equipment operating cost and safe operation and actively contributing to key Project reviews like: HAZOP, SIL, 3D model review, Constructability review etc.
Ensure design engineering standards are maintained and adhered to.
Provide technical guidance to Project staff on various aspects of design.
Approve technical adjudications /recommendations for equipment and installation contract done by Engineering contractors
Review and comment on design documents and drawings from own discipline and from other disciplines.
Compare procurement costs against budget and provide feedback to Project Control
Estimate, control and review design scope changes.
Provide feedback on the quality, use and value of systems used in design.
Attend shop inspection and factory acceptance tests and provide input into vendor’s test documentation as required.
Assist with plant installation and commissioning.
Liaise with Site construction staff on technical queries on resolution of engineering design issues
Provide timely reports regarding all discussions held and progress made. Ensure all correspondence is recorded.
Input into progress reports, including listing achievements and highlighting issues as required.
Ensure compliance and take initiative for safety and environmental issues.
HSSE Responsibilities:
- Provide positive and demonstrated leadership on HSSE issues within your area of operation.
- Read, understand and implement the HSSE policies and procedures.
- Promote an enthusiastic HSSE culture that delivers positive commitment to and engages all employees in continuous improvement in HSSE performance.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education and Experience requirements:
Qualifications:
BSc, BEng or B.Tech in Engineering or National Diploma with a minimum of 10 years’ experience.
Knowledge, skills and experience:
- Minimum of 10 years Mechanical design experience in the converter and minerals processing area in the design office and in the field.
- Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer in the converter industry or a similar field.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical systems design, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
- Well-developed computer skills and knowledge of word, databases, spreadsheets and discipline related application software.
- Site experience – construction and commissioning.
- Materials handling experience.
- Hydrometallurgical package experience.
Knowledge, skills, IMERYS Leadership Behaviors:
- Languages: English (mandatory), French (preferable).
- Used to working in a multinational environment.
- Experience with Project executed in Europe is preferable
- Team-oriented, dynamic, proactive and adaptable
- Skilled in communication, rigor, autonomous, leadership & convincing skills
- Highly motivated & results focused with the ability to act with a high sense of urgency
- Ability to operate and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and challenging deadline
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Position TypeFull time
and
Permanent
