Column Operations- Principal Advisor
- Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tinto's innovative heap leaching technology.
- Take the opportunity to lead cutting-edge technology deployments in collaboration with world-class partners.
- Enjoy the unmatched quality of life and work in Salt Lake City, Utah, ranked #1 overall by U.S. News & World Report.
About the Role
As Column Operations -Principal Advisor, you will be a key member of the Nuton™ technical team, responsible for managing and optimizing column test programs across internal and external laboratories. You’ll work closely with project delivery leads, process engineers, and the technology transfer team to support feasibility assessments, partner collaborations, and the development of data-driven design solutions.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys working with diverse teams and geographies, and brings a strong background in metallurgical or chemical processing. Below are the key responsibilities of this role:
Lead Column Test Programs
- Coordinate and manage column test-work across commercial and Rio Tinto laboratories in the U.S., Australia, and South America.
- Design and continuously improve test modules and programs, including column leach tests and hydrodynamic evaluations, to meet evolving project needs.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts in geo-metallurgy, leaching, and geochemistry to develop robust test plans aligned with Nuton’s study stages.
Drive Data and Modeling Excellence
- Work alongside our data and analytics team to ensure accurate, timely, and digital capture of test data.
- Oversee quality control and assurance for mineralogical, chemical, and operational data to support modeling and decision-making.
Deliver High-Quality Reporting
- Prepare and review comprehensive technical reports, ensuring partners receive clear and reliable updates, including test progress, extraction curves, and reagent usage.
Collaborate Across Teams and Partners
- Serve as a key liaison among internal teams and external partners.
- Engage with delivery managers on test matrices, geo-metallurgists on sampling strategies, process engineers on flowsheets, and labs on sample preparation and execution.
- Conduct regular site visits to ensure compliance with Nuton standards and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Bring
To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:
- A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering
- A minimum of 10 to 15 years of processing related work experience in the mining or engineering industry, of which at least 5 years should be in a leadership role. This experience should include the design and management of hydrometallurgical testwork programmes and/or pilot plant trials.
- Ability to work in multi-functional and multi-disciplinary teams and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization and external vendors and stakeholders.
What we offer
Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
- Retirement options that include a 6% company contribution to a defined plan, 401(k) matching, and a share ownership program.
- Generous time-off opportunities include paid time off, holidays, bereavement leave, and four months of parental leave for all parents.
- Comprehensive health plans covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and additional voluntary benefits.
- Access to wellness initiatives, including employee discounts and an employee assistance program for confidential support.
Where you’ll be working
The role will be based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, with some domestic and international travel requirement.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice Matters
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
JOB_POSTING-3-8838
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
Take a look at Shona’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentGeneral Manager Weipa OperationsWeipa, Far North Queensland, Australia
- 2020General Manager Bell Bay AluminiumLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2017Metal products DepartmentBoyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2014Reduction line Manager – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2012Services department Manager Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2011Manager Health, Safety, Environment and business improvement Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2010Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2009Operations SuperintendentGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2005Operations SuperintendentLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2004Graduate EngineerLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Working in our Operations teams
The most important thing you’ll uncover is your own potential.
Working in Operations at Rio Tinto means you can make a hands-on difference in the discovery and delivery of the materials that make human progress possible. In return, we strive to help you achieve and even exceed your career goals. Join us and experience:
Our application process
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.