Research & Development Manager – Nuton®

Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tinto's 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 Tinto’s copper business by unlocking new value from low-grade 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. Learn more about Nuton here.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead Nuton’s technology development agenda by setting a clear roadmap and translating business priorities into focused, well-designed R&D programs. You’ll 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 high-performing R&D team, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued
• Designing and overseeing laboratory-scale 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

Requirements

We know great candidates don’t 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 doesn’t 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
• An advanced 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 cross-functional teams
• Clear, thoughtful communication skills written, verbal, and interpersonal

Benefits

• 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.