Company Profile:

Searles Valley Minerals provides customers worldwide with high quality soda ash, sodium sulfate, and boron products from a large saline mineral deposit in California s Mojave Desert. Searles Valley Minerals uses an environmentally friendly solution mining technology to extract mineral rich brines from over 25,000 acres of leased and owned reserves which it processes using proprietary technologies in three manufacturing facilities in Trona, California.

Job Description Summary:

We are seeking experienced and motivated candidates for the position of Mechanical Engineer. This individual is responsible for helping to provide technical expertise on large and/or complex engineering and construction projects across the company through all phases of project development and execution. This person will be part of a team of project engineers, technicians and staff who design, develop, construct and implement engineering projects for three production facilities, a mining resource and Utilities facility at Searles Valley Minerals. Compliance with applicable State and Federal Codes, Standards and Regulations related to safety and the environment is an important part of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

As part of the Engineering team, assist in the development of project options, concepts, cost estimates and timelines.

• Execute detailed project engineering activities including: technical drawings, data sheets, stress analysis, project schedules, reports, etc. as assigned.
• Assist in developing project proposals as requested including technology selection, complete scope, systems and equipment, cost estimate and proposed schedules by applying knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Provide accurate and timely activity reporting to internal and external customers.
• Develop standardized documentation including SOP's, training, validation of equipment performance, and technical and project reports
• Identify and manage relationships with OEM and preferred equipment manufacturers, specialists and technical support consultants.

Perform engineering on major projects, including design, materials of construction, equipment selection and application, and other equipment as directed.

• Ensure compliance with local/state/federal regulations regarding environment and safety.
• Specify system components or direct modifications to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications and/or environmental regulations, applicable codes and standards and safety best practices.
• Support facilities in reviewing equipment specifications and equipment selection, monitoring installation and successful start-up of mechanical equipment.
• Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications or necessity of modification.

Assist facility and other engineering personnel in project management, engineering, design, project controls, equipment specifications, procurement, project reviews, installation, checkout, start-up and testing, troubleshooting and optimization to support project goals and facility objectives.

• Develop detailed project specifications including drawings, data sheets, etc. in full compliance with recognized industry standards, safety standards and various client specifications.
• Provide engineering support as needed and be on-call for critical plant/asset failures.
• Work closely with team at all levels to help resolve technical issues, applying engineering and technical skills to design, optimize and troubleshoot equipment and processes.
• Perform technical analysis, testing, calculations and evaluation of results to solve routine engineering problems.
• Support turnarounds, planned and unplanned outages, major mechanical equipment overhauls, routine and non-routine repairs.
• Maintain and update facility equipment files as needed.
• Use rigorous tools including, DMAIC, LEAN, etc to aid in risk analysis, root cause analysis and decision/evaluation recommendations

Perform engineering activities in an effective and efficient manner consistent with Company, State and Federal health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to achieve production and operation cost goals and ensure a safe work environment.

Required Skills:

• Mechanical Aptitude.
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics.
• Working knowledge of mechanical equipment and engineering principles as it pertains to design, operation, maintenance and asset life cycle.
• Must be familiar with common process equipment such as rotating equipment, dryers, valves, motors, piping, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, furnaces, heat exchangers, filters, and storage tanks.
• AUTOCAD proficient, 2D (3D desirable). Able to draft and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and work at all levels of organization as circumstances require.
• Must have thorough understanding of root cause analysis and troubleshooting.
• The successful candidate must be willing and able to spend up to 50% of the time in physical plant areas with occasional exposure to outdoor weather and loud noise.
• Able to work in areas under adverse conditions that may require the donning and use of personal protective equipment.

Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with at least 3 years of experience, or Masters and 2 years of experience, or a combination of education and experience.

• Experience in manufacturing environment, power generation or heavy industry preferred.

• Must have working knowledge of Mechanical Engineering fundamentals.

• Must have a solid understanding of production processes, mechanical engineering practices and field applications.

The candidate should have a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite. Programming experience is preferred. Strong analytical, verbal, writing and presentation skills are required. Candidate must be skilled in data analysis and statistical methods and familiar with computer modeling tools.

Salary:

$77,000 - $132,000 a year

Company Benefits:

Searles Valley Minerals provides a competitive salary, a relocation package for some positions, and an outstanding employee benefit package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid time off, a 401k retirement savings program, and paid holidays. This compensation package coupled with a dynamic and challenging work environment employing a diverse, sustainable and highly skilled workforce makes Searles Valley Minerals an excellent employment opportunity.

Searles Valley Minerals is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.