Speaker Profile

Will Smith

Will Smith

Plant Manager,
Standard Lithium

Will Smith is a highly skilled and accomplished engineer with a proven track record in delivering successful projects and driving innovation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Louisiana Tech University, he brings a solid technical foundation to every endeavor.

Currently serving as an Engineering Manager at Standard Lithium in El Dorado, AR, Will Smith oversees a team of Chemical and Project Engineers, ensuring the smooth coordination of testing and trials. With a focus on the development of the Lithium Extraction process and the design of the commercial plant, he collaborates closely with senior staff and external contractors to drive progress and achieve project milestones.

Before advancing to Engineering Manager, Will Smith was the Project Engineer. During this time, he played a vital role in the construction and commissioning of the Pilot Plant and managed operations and testing for lithium recovery from Brine. Will Smith was responsible for creating and maintaining standard operating procedures, overseeing plant operations, coordinating maintenance activities, and managing inventory. Expertise in modifying plant programming and logic, as well as their meticulous record-keeping, ensured efficient and effective operations.

Before his tenure at Standard Lithium, Will Smith served as a Senior Engineer in Mechanical Design at Aerojet Rocketdyne in Camden, AR. In this role, he collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including Program Management, Project Engineers, and Design Engineers, to meet contract requirements and project deadlines. He played a key role in streamlining processes through Kaizen events, working closely with Industrial Engineers. Additionally, providing support to the Rocket Test Engineering Staff, contributing to the successful production of static tests of experimental rocket motors.

Committed to professional growth, Will Smith actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and expertise in engineering. The ability to think creatively and approach problems with a fresh perspective enables him to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Outside of work, Will enjoys pursuing creative hobbies such as construction projects and camping with his wife and two kids. Open to collaboration and always ready to lend a helping hand, Will Smith welcomes inquiries and is eager to contribute to meaningful projects.