Intern-Process Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 1, 2026.
For California based roles the expected hourly salary is $20/hour - $50/hour
If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our Internship Program is an opportunity for you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be part of our leading global company to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto, we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal - to create a better tomorrow.
About the role
Finding better ways™ to provide the materials the world needs.
We are offering a 3-month Process Engineering Summer internship at our port and refinery based in Wilmington, California.
This is a great opportunity for an intern to be introduced to a dynamic environment of the mining industry that mandates the need for highly trained and qualified personnel to support the growing demands of producing high quality process analyses.
Specifically, our processes include the use of chemicals, combustion systems, high pressure or high temperature which if not operated or maintained correctly could create a hazardous condition for employees. Existing and proposed mechanical and instrumentation processes are analyzed for failure modes and evaluated for risk. Rigid controls are created to ensure layers of protection exist for potentially hazardous scenarios. There is an increasing demand at both Rio Tinto Boron and other operational sites for technical expertise.
We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining. We have technical development programmes that are industry-leading and recognize the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.
Working in a challenging and exciting environment, within the RTM Borates Department, you will be:
- Working on multiple projects with a mix of field and office work
- Put to practice the concepts you have learned
- Interface with operations and other groups to complete projects
- Working with a small multidisciplinary team on the port of LA
What you’ll bring
- At least one year completed in Chemical, Engineering or other related field
- Leadership skills, eagerness to learn and ready for the challenge ahead
- Flexibility and autonomy
- Good communication skills and ability to work in a team
- Valid driving licence
*To be eligible, you must be a registered student at a recognized American university and have the right to work full-time in the United States.
What we offer
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- A competitive salary
- A relocation lump-sum offered for students (for eligible students)
- Reimburse 1-time travel to and from your work site (for eligible students)
- Ambitious, exciting and rewarding experience
- Opportunity to build relationships with the Rio Tinto team and community
- A great chance to prepare yourself to join our Graduate Development Program
Where will you be working
Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world’s demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1872.
*Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings as there is enough applicants, therefore, if you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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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.
Respect and Inclusion
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.