Phoenix Tailings
Principal Chemical Process Engineer-Separation
Phoenix Tailings, Burlington, Massachusetts, us, 01805
Principal Chemical Process Engineer – Separation
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.
Our Values
You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
Lead with Compassion
Be Resourceful
Listen
Hustle
Who We Are Looking For Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Principal Chemical Process Engineer who brings deep technical expertise in solvent extraction, especially as applied to the separation of rare earth elements. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission to build the foundational infrastructure for a clean, domestic supply of critical materials. You will lead the design, development, optimization and scale‑up of solvent extraction processes, directly shaping our technology and creating a greener, more resilient critical metals supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and optimization of solvent extraction circuits for rare earth element separation from both primary and secondary sources
Design and execute bench‑and‑pilot‑scale experiments to evaluate separation efficiency, reagent performance, and system dynamics
Translate laboratory‑scale successes into scalable, industrial processes with a focus on safety, sustainability, and cost‑effectivenessOwn and evolve process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and P&IDs for solvent extraction systems
Drive selection and specification of extractants, diluents, and equipment (e.g., mixer‑settlers, columns, or centrifugal contactors)
Analyze separation performance data to identify improvement opportunities and implement process changes
Collaborate closely with metallurgy, chemical engineering, and operations teams to support plant commissioning and troubleshooting
Author technical reports, scale‑up plans, and design documentation to support commercialization of Phoenix Tailings’ extraction technologies
Stay at the forefront of solvent extraction technologies and rare earth processing trends to inform and elevate process strategy
Qualifications
Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience
Proven expertise in rare earth element/critical metals separation via solvent extraction, including reagent chemistry, process configuration, and optimization
Hands‑on experience with lab‑scale and pilot‑scale solvent extraction systems, including safety and operational best practices
Deep understanding of phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to solvent extraction
Demonstrated success in scaling up chemical separation processes from bench to pilot to commercial scale
Proficiency with process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen, METSIM, or similar)
Excellent problem‑solving skills with a passion for experimental validation and continuous improvement
Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in cross‑disciplinary environments
Benefits
Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Stock: Ownership in a fast‑growing venture‑backed company
Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families
Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world
Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events and celebrations
Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career
Great team: Working with fun, hard‑working, kind people committed to making a difference
Flexible culture: We are results‑focused. We don’t work at the office every day
Equal Opportunity Employer Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work‑related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Mining
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About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.
Our Values
You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
Lead with Compassion
Be Resourceful
Listen
Hustle
Who We Are Looking For Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Principal Chemical Process Engineer who brings deep technical expertise in solvent extraction, especially as applied to the separation of rare earth elements. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission to build the foundational infrastructure for a clean, domestic supply of critical materials. You will lead the design, development, optimization and scale‑up of solvent extraction processes, directly shaping our technology and creating a greener, more resilient critical metals supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and optimization of solvent extraction circuits for rare earth element separation from both primary and secondary sources
Design and execute bench‑and‑pilot‑scale experiments to evaluate separation efficiency, reagent performance, and system dynamics
Translate laboratory‑scale successes into scalable, industrial processes with a focus on safety, sustainability, and cost‑effectivenessOwn and evolve process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and P&IDs for solvent extraction systems
Drive selection and specification of extractants, diluents, and equipment (e.g., mixer‑settlers, columns, or centrifugal contactors)
Analyze separation performance data to identify improvement opportunities and implement process changes
Collaborate closely with metallurgy, chemical engineering, and operations teams to support plant commissioning and troubleshooting
Author technical reports, scale‑up plans, and design documentation to support commercialization of Phoenix Tailings’ extraction technologies
Stay at the forefront of solvent extraction technologies and rare earth processing trends to inform and elevate process strategy
Qualifications
Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience
Proven expertise in rare earth element/critical metals separation via solvent extraction, including reagent chemistry, process configuration, and optimization
Hands‑on experience with lab‑scale and pilot‑scale solvent extraction systems, including safety and operational best practices
Deep understanding of phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to solvent extraction
Demonstrated success in scaling up chemical separation processes from bench to pilot to commercial scale
Proficiency with process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen, METSIM, or similar)
Excellent problem‑solving skills with a passion for experimental validation and continuous improvement
Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in cross‑disciplinary environments
Benefits
Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Stock: Ownership in a fast‑growing venture‑backed company
Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families
Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world
Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events and celebrations
Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career
Great team: Working with fun, hard‑working, kind people committed to making a difference
Flexible culture: We are results‑focused. We don’t work at the office every day
Equal Opportunity Employer Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work‑related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Mining
#J-18808-Ljbffr