Metallurgical Process Technician

ElementUSA is advancing how the world recovers and refines critical minerals, transforming industrial residues into valuable resources, accelerating America’s access to critical minerals.

We’re seeking a Metallurgical Process Technician to join our process development laboratory at the Critical Resource Accelerator
. This facility focuses on the extraction and valorization of solid waste byproducts from various industrial processes, including alumina, steel, iron ore, coal, fertilizers, brick, glass, copper, gold, and other mineral and chemical operations. This role involves the hands‑on operation of lab‑scale chemical and mineral processing equipment to produce materials for analytical testing, requiring physical stamina, technical expertise, and close collaboration with engineering and senior staff.

• Manage day-to-day operations of lab-scale process equipment, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Achieve safe and proper operation of small-scale equipment under set parameters to produce samples for analytical evaluation and process design.
• Establish, document, and maintain laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all process operations.
• Conduct mineral beneficiation and material handling operations.
• Execute wet lab mineral extraction and processing operations.

• Operate a full suite of process laboratory equipment and perform tests, including:
• Hydrometallurgical leaching processes
• Solid/liquid filtration systems
• Thermal furnace treatment and crucible handling
• Material crushing and grinding equipment
• Stirred beaker reactions
• Hot plate chemistry testing (acid and base chemicals)
• Sample preparation and handling for delivery to Analytical Lab
• Ensure that all process operations produce materials suitable for analytical testing and are documented in compliance with laboratory best practices.
• Conduct maintenance and troubleshooting of process equipment to uphold operational reliability and safety.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and senior staff, the R&D team, and Analytical Lab Technicians to support the testing of new extraction, separation, and material processing technologies.
• Stay informed about advancements in process equipment and methods to continually improve capabilities and methodologies.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and secure recording of process parameters, operational data, and sample tracking in alignment with company standards.
• Provide operational reports and process observations to support decision-making in R&D projects and process optimization initiatives.
• Present process results and insights to engineering teams, partners, and stakeholders as needed.

• Maintain rigorous adherence to laboratory safety protocols and compliance with regulatory standards in a physically demanding environment.
• Implement quality control measures to achieve consistent process operations and sample quality.
• Follow internal quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs for process operations.

• Degree or diploma in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in a process laboratory, pilot plant, or industrial production setting is desired.
• Background in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, wastewater treatment, or industrial production operations.
• Familiarity with process equipment including leaching systems, filtration equipment, furnaces, and material preparation equipment.
• Strong understanding of process operations, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with engineering staff and interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative working environment.
• Physical ability to perform extended standing, lifting, and material handling tasks.

• Hands‑on and self‑sufficient: you excel at operating equipment and troubleshooting process challenges in real‑time.
• Safety‑conscious and detail‑oriented: you understand that proper equipment operation is critical to producing quality samples and maintaining a safe work…