Senior Process Engineer

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.

At Phoenix Tailings, 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.

• You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
• Lead with Compassion
• Be Resourceful
• Listen
• Hustle

We are looking for a Senior Process Engineer to join us in optimizing processes to extract metals from under-utilized material streams and championing our sustainability initiatives. You will lead and collaborate with experienced engineers and scientists to model, test, and implement novel extraction methods that maximize efficiency and uphold our commitment to environmental responsibility.

• Lead the development and commercialization of the Phoenix Tailings’ rare earth separation process, from conceptualization through pilot and full-scale operations.
• Optimize process efficiency by developing and refining mass and energy balance models.
• Design and implement robust process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Conduct thorough laboratory testing to identify optimal operating conditions and scale-up parameters.
• Develop and validate pilot plant designs to assess process feasibility and scalability.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to select and procure equipment for pilot and commercial-scale operations.
• Develop and manage project timelines to ensure timely delivery of process development milestones.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise to cross-functional teams involved in process design and implementation.
• Conduct thorough market and literature research on breakthrough technologies for rare earth metal extraction and refining, driving improvement and innovation.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in rare earth metal extraction and refining processes.
• Champion sustainable practices and integrate recycling initiatives dynamically to enhance the environmental performance of rare earth metal extraction and refining processes.

Exceptional project management skills, with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary initiatives. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in extractive metallurgy, materials testing, or pilot plant operations within the actinide, rare earth metals, copper, cobalt, nickel, or zinc industries.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical and physical principles related to critical metal processing (e.g., leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, electrolysis).
• Familiarity with sustainability principles and their application in industrial processes.
• Experience with process modeling software such as SysCAD or other process models.
• Proficient in scientific software for data analysis and visualization (e.g., Excel, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a strong focus on innovation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• 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.
• G…