Lithium Processing Chief Engineer

Role details

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority for a first-of-a-kind chemical processing capability supporting a national security mission.

The Chief Engineer will own the end-to-end process architecture, from bench-scale demonstration through the design, construction, commissioning, and sustained production operation of a purpose-built processing facility. The Chief Engineer will report to the Manager, Concept Formulation, will partner with the Program Manager, and will serve as the single point of technical accountability to the customer, national laboratory stakeholders, and GA-EMS executive management. With broad latitude, this position exercises considerable independence in developing designs, procedures, techniques, and solutions to advanced process engineering problems.

Assignments are normally outlined only in terms of broad objectives and critical reference points. The Chief Engineer guides resolution of the program’s most difficult technical problems and directs professional staff as well as subcontracted engineering, analytical, and construction partners. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Serves as the technical authority for the complete lithium purification process line: feed dissolution and filtration, crystallizer drying, electrolytic reduction to lithium metal, and hydriding of lithium metal at elevated temperature and pressure.

Owns the process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and process control strategy; establishes and defends the scale-up basis from demonstration quantities to full-scale annual production. Plans and executes the process demonstration campaign, including run plans, process parameters, batch records, and technical reports documenting product performance against specification.

Directs the sampling and analytical strategy used to predict finished-product composition; interprets results across titration, gravimetric, ion-specific probe, combustion, mass spectrometry, and infrared methods; and drives root cause analysis and corrective action when product trends off specification. Leads technical coordination with national laboratory and government production-site counterparts on test method validation, process change notification, and acceptance criteria.

Provides technical direction to the facility design and construction partner and to analytical and metrology subcontractors, ensuring process, throughput, hazard category, material handling, utility, effluent, and measurement requirements are correctly translated into design and procurement packages. Leads process hazard analysis and safety basis development for reactive metals, hydrogen service, corrosive byproducts, and moisture-sensitive materials; ensures designs comply with applicable DOE, OSHA, NFPA, and ASME requirements.

Establishes the material accountability and process control framework that traces each batch through every process step, including run sheets and in-process reconciliation. Identifies process improvements, automation, and equipment modifications that reduce unit cost and improve yield over the life of the program. Serves as the focal point for technical communication within Company management and as the prime technical contact to customers, national laboratories, and regulatory agencies; presents at design, readiness, and program reviews. Mentors process, mechanical, controls, and quality engineers; may lead a team of experienced professional staff.

Leads the technical response to Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including technical volume authorship, basis of estimate development, and technical risk identification. Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive and classified information. Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply