Warren, Michigan, USA
7 days ago
Metallurgical Technical Specialist- Lithium Conversion Refinery
Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [Cole Engineering Center, Warren MI] three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Metallurgical Technical Specialist to work on a Li refinery and conversion processes. In this role you will support initiating a new process to produce key intermediates in the battery materials value chain. As the Metallurgical Technical Specialist you will initiate, design, and conduct the lab and pilot plant scale testing in support of the lithium refinery operation. The candidate will also lead the development and deployment of the metallurgy lab in support of the lithium refinery operation.

In addition, you will be responsible for identifying, designing, developing, and implementing process improvements along with process flowsheet, BOM, BOD, intermediate product specifications, as well as supporting strategic site initiatives.

Roles & Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise on feed properties and process flowsheets of Lithium conversion for strategic planning and maintain process flow diagrams, design criteria, stream tables, and specifications.

Work with design team and equipment suppliers through all phases of project development, including design, procurement, and testing.

Collect and analyze scientific data, document results, and prepare reports and presentations.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement optimization opportunities in the refining process.

Assist a team of engineers and technicians with routine quality testing while ensuring adherence to safety and laboratory practices.

Work with stakeholders to align process technology initiatives with company goals and stay updated on industry trends and best practices to drive improvement initiatives.

Collaborate with the battery materials team on new materials and processes for commercial-scale implementation.

Identify potential risks and create strategies for smooth project startups.

Foster a collaborative workplace that promotes innovation and continuous improvement.

Provide guidance and support to team members for their professional growth.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits

Additional Job Description

Required Skills and Experience:

Master’s degree or higher in chemistry, materials science, chemical, or metallurgical engineering; PhD preferred.

8+ years of experience in materials/process lab environments; expertise in lab and pilot-scale experiments related to mining materials and chemical processing.

Familiarity with chemical processing operations (oxidation, calcination, hydrometallurgy, etc.) and related equipment.

Track record in heat treatment, failure analysis, and process improvement; experience in projects from concept to commissioning.

Strong analytical skills with innovative solution development.

Excellent written and verbal skills to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with changing priorities.

Knowledge of engineering fundamentals and experience in metallurgy and chemical processing.

Background and industry experience in large-scale mining, hydrometallurgy, and chemical production processes; familiarity with high-pressure and temperature systems, reactors, and separation equipment.

Strong management and leadership skills with a focus on collaboration and results.

Involvement in engineering projects throughout all phases.

Must be willing to travel 15% Domestically

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We aspire to be the most inclusive company in the world. We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Our Work Appropriately philosophy supports our foundation of inclusion and provides employees the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact on achieving our goals, dependent on role needs. Every day, we want every employee, no matter their background, ethnicity, preferences, or location, to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

The goal of the General Motors total rewards program is to support the health and well-being of you and your family. Our comprehensive compensation plan incudes, the following benefits, in addition to many others:
• Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and parental leave for mothers, fathers and adoptive parents;
• Healthcare (including a triple tax advantaged health savings account and wellness incentive), dental, vision and life insurance plans to cover you and your family;
• Company and matching contributions to 401K savings plan to help you save for retirement;
• Global recognition program for peers and leaders to recognize and be recognized for results and behaviors that reflect our company values; 
• Tuition assistance and student loan refinancing;
• Discount on GM vehicles for you, your family and friends.

Diversity Information

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.   We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities. GM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.


We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statements

GM is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. GM is committed to providing a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and advancing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, all practices and decisions relating to terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment are made without regard to an individual's protected characteristics. For purposes of this policy, “protected characteristics" include an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, weight, height, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at Careers.Accommodations@GM.com or call us at 800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.​

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