Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Saltworks Technologies is a leading Canadian cleantech company solving two of the world’s most pressing challenges: water sustainability and critical minerals supply. We design and build advanced industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems for global leaders in semiconductors, mining, automotive, and industrial processing.

Saltworks is a 2025 Technology Fast 50 company and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner. We lead our industry in adopting and developing AI across our products, projects, and operations. Join us and build skills defining the next era of engineering and industrial systems.

The role:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team. Our Process Engineering team leads the design of lithium concentration and refining plants and advanced industrial water treatment systems. You will be involved at a strategic level with our customers and projects, collaborate with multiple teams, and develop innovative solutions to some of the toughest environmental challenges facing our planet.

Your main tasks will include:

• Leading the process design for lithium recovery and desalination plants using modular water treatment systems.
• Engaging directly with customers and project teams to shape technical direction and project strategy.
• Researching, evaluating, and selecting process devices for optimal technological and economic fit.
• Designing cost-effective, low-risk, and sustainable processes, and developing process models to support these designs.
• Creating and maintaining PFDs, P&IDs, and mass balances, and sizing and specifying equipment.
• Developing control philosophies and working closely with Controls & Automation Engineers to eliminate gaps between Process and Controls.
• Participating in PHA and HAZOP reviews to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
• Contributing to product development, technology innovation, and process optimization.
• Analyzing operational data to provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Mentoring junior engineers and elevating the output of the team through knowledge sharing.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• A degree in Chemical or Process Engineering.
• 5 – 10 years of post-graduation experience in water treatment, desalination, lithium or mineral processing, or a closely related chemical process industry.
• A hands-on, technical approach, with proven tooling and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, and mass balances, preferably using AutoCAD P&ID or similar software.
• A thorough understanding of engineering design workflows, standards, and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English, including raising issues and escalating risks early.
• Strong mentorship skills; a multiplier capable of elevating the output of others.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, along with the organization and attention to detail needed to deliver reliable, high-quality designs on time.

Why join Saltworks?
At Saltworks, you’ll collaborate with talented colleagues to solve complex, real-world problems – designing and delivering innovative water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world’s most recognized companies. Every team member contributes meaningfully, from early-stage development through field deployment.

Saltworks is investing intentionally in artificial intelligence for engineering and technical work. Engineering offers one of the longest runways for AI-driven productivity and automation, and Saltworks aims to be at the forefront of this shift. We provide training, computational capacity, and practical tools needed for engineers and technical professionals to apply AI meaningfully in their work.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, vision, RRSP matching, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and an education allowance.
• Culture built on safety, innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.
• Collaborative, cross-functional team environment where every member contributes to project outcomes.
• Regular social activities and company events.

How to apply:
If you would like to join the Saltworks team, please submit your resume (cover letters are not required).

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications are confidential.

Kindly, no recruiters.

Salary: $110,000 to $150,000 per year (negotiable based on your experience, qualifications, and internal equity).

Location: 13800 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC V6W 1A8

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