Associate Director - Process Development

Boulder, Colorado

Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO. The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams.

Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend.

Location:

Boulder, CO

Reports To:

Sr. Director of R&D Engineering

Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feed stocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security.

Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

Alta is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join our Process Development Group. This role will lead the laboratory- and pilot-scale development of the Company’s state-of-the‑art separation process. Responsibilities include managing a team of scientists, creating development programs, experimental designs, process simulation and modeling, technical writing of SOPs and tech transfer documents, and assisting the Company’s on-site demonstration plant adopt new processes.

The position plays an important part in advancing Alta’s mission by providing reliable data and communications to ensure smooth transition of our processes at each scale.

An ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in ion‑exchange chromatography, simulated moving bed (SMB) systems, and semi‑preparative chromatography, with demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and scale separation processes. A desire to learn and grow within a rapidly expanding and fast‑paced company is a must. The role requires full‑time, on‑site presence at our Boulder lab, with occasional support outside standard hours.

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of scientists and engineers
• Set priorities, manage resources, and deliver development programs on schedule.
• Build a culture of rigorous experimentation, clear documentation and safe lab practice.
• Define the development strategy for chromatographic separations at lab and pilot scale.
• Guide experimental design and data analysis across ÄKTA and other automated chromatography systems
• Develop and improve workflows, data analysis methods and documentation standards.
• Lead technology transfer to the demonstration plant, including process descriptions, SOPs, work instructions and transfer packages.
• Partner with the demonstration team to analyze plant data, resolve issues and drive process optimization.
• Contribute to process safety reviews and scale‑up decisions.
• Work closely with Analytical Chemistry, Protein Engineering, and Engineering to align priorities and timelines.
• Present results and recommendations to Company leadership