Senior Controls & Instrumentation Engineer at Lilac Solutions, Inc. – Oakland, California

About Lilac Solutions, Inc.

Lilac exists to solve one problem: lithium supply. By engineering scalable lithium extraction technology, we help industries produce lithium faster, cheaper, and cleaner. Our ion exchange technology is rooted in scientific precision and commercial know-how, making lithium supply a non-issue for global electrification. Our materials, engineering, and approach uniquely position us to design and develop commercial projects across various lithium sources. We help lithium producers rapidly and responsibly scale production from brine resources with versatile, cost-effective, and dynamic technology solutions.

Lilac is supported by the largest players from the mining and processing industry, as well as significant investment funds. Lilac investors include BMW, SK, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mercuria, Lower Carbon Capital, and MIT's The Engine.

About the role

Lilac is seeking a Control and Instrumentation Engineer to work on ion exchange systems and other water processing technologies for lithium production. As a member of the engineering team in Lilac’s Brine Division, you will work closely with R&D, process, and operations engineers to design, configure, and automate process systems to support lithium production efforts. You will provide technical and engineering expertise for the implementation of new process control strategies and optimization of existing systems to promote operational reliability of our technology. This is a full-time position based in Salt Lake City, UT or Oakland, CA.

What you'll do

• Lead the design and development of a controls platform for a first of a kind commercial facility
• Manage work scopes between internal stakeholders, EPCMs, and third-party contractors to ensure successful integration of controls systems
• Work collaboratively with process, controls, and operations engineers
• Program and configure PLC logic and modify existing logic to optimize system performance and ensure control narratives are accurately implemented
• Conduct plant wide control loop tuning and equipment/unit optimization
• Develop and configure new HMI displays and update existing displays to improve overall usability and operator effectiveness
• Troubleshoot process control issues and work with operations teams to assist in troubleshooting efforts
• Optimize and improve plant-wide control system supervisory systems to minimize unplanned downtime and centralize plant performance monitoring
• Assist with operator trainings
• Travel to Pilot sites to support installation and commissioning efforts (travel up to 20%)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering with 5+ years’ experience
• Demonstrated competence with process controls, distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA); Siemens and Ignition experience preferred
• Demonstrated competence in hardware/software systems integration for commercial process plants
• Experience with Ladder Logic or other IEC-61163-3 languages
• Experience developing HMIs and operator displays
• Experience with VFDs and other motor controls equipment
• Experience with designing OT Network Architectures at a commercial scale
• In-depth knowledge of electrical engineering standards and codes (NEC, NFPA, IEC, etc.)
• Demonstrated competence of process control instrumentation and their implementation in control loops
• Experience developing process control narratives, building I/O lists, and working closely with process engineers to design and implement control systems to ensure safe and efficient operation of complex chemical process systems
• Extensive experience with the commissioning and startup of large-scale systems
• Experience with drafting schematics using AutoCAD electrical
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, Loop Sheets, and Electrical Schematics

Benefits & Compensation

• Hybrid work opportunities

• Stock options

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance

• 401k with pre- and post-tax investing options

• Flexible spending account/Health savings account

• Group and term life insurance

• Flexible paid time off policy

• Paid sick leave

• Eight weeks of paid parental leave

• Commuter benefits (some locations)

• Employee assistance program

• Monthly phone stipend

The salary range listed reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant skills, experience, and geographic location.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:

At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Resumes sent without prior arrangement will be considered the property of Lilac Solutions, and no fees will be paid if we hire a candidate whose resume was submitted unsolicited.

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.

The pay range for this role is:
130,000 - 200,000 USD per year(Oakland, CA)
115,000 - 155,000 USD per year(Sandy, UT)