Research & Development Manager – Nuton

• Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tintos innovative heap leaching technology.
• Drive sustainable solutions while accelerating your career growth.
• Permanent role based in Salt Lake City Utah

About the role

Nuton is an innovative venture helping to grow Rio Tintos copper business by unlocking new value from lowgrade copper resources waste and tailings. Built on nearly 30 years of research and development Nuton combines proprietary copper leaching technologies with strong environmental performance supporting more efficient water use lower carbon emissions and the reclamation of mine sites through reprocessing.

This is a rare opportunity to develop and implement a research and development program at the intersection of technology sustainability and realworld impact. As Research & Development Manager you will define the future of the Nuton technology suite guiding how ideas move from laboratory innovation to scalable valuecreating solutions that support global copper production.

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer you will play a pivotal leadership role in setting direction building capability and fostering a collaborative inclusive R&D culture.

What youll do

In this role you will lead Nutons technology development agenda by setting a clear roadmap and translating business priorities into focused welldesigned R&D programs. Youll build and mentor a multidisciplinary team manage external and internal partnerships and ensure that learning insight and intellectual property are shared across Nuton programs.

Your work will include:

• Setting and delivering the Nuton Technology Development Roadmap aligned to business needs and future growth opportunities
• Establishing and leading a highperforming R&D team creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued
• Designing and overseeing laboratoryscale test work modeling and technical studies that improve process efficiency and performance
• Managing budgets schedules and scopes of work across multiple R&D programs
• Partnering closely with internal teams and external collaborators to provide technical guidance and support
• Contributing to and leading technical reviews sharing insights and lessons learned
• Owning and evolving the Nuton intellectual property framework in collaboration with legal and technical stakeholders
• Supporting our project leads with technical direction while helping translate innovation into measurable value

What youll bring

We know great candidates dont always meet every requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesnt completely align.

• A strong personal commitment to health safety and care for others
• Experience leading R&D programs within hydrometallurgical or related processing environments
• Experience with leaching processes particularly copper heap leaching is an advantage but not essential
• A degree in engineering (metallurgical chemical engineering or a related field)
• Ability to build a vision and foster alignment and support to bring that vision to life
• Confidence building relationships with stakeholders at all levels both internal and external
• Ability to influence direction and decision making at a senior level
• The ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and crossfunctional teams
• Clear thoughtful communication skills written verbal and interpersonal.

Benefits offered

• 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.

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 cant do it on our own so were 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 for more information.