Environmental​/Chemical Engineer PhD

Princeton Critical Minerals (PCM) is an advanced evaporation-technology company developing next-generation solutions for lithium extraction and critical mineral production. Our platform combines solar-evaporation enhancement, brine-chemistry optimization, predictive modeling, and field-deployable systems to improve the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing operations. We work with leading global mining and lithium producers to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies for the energy transition.

We’re looking for a highly motivated Environmental or Chemical Engineer (PhD) with strong experimental and theoretical grounding in evaporation systems, brine chemistry, and heat/mass transfer. In this role, you’ll help develop and scale PCM’s advanced evaporation technologies across laboratory, pilot, and field operations.

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory and pilot-scale experiments related to solar evaporation and brine concentration processes
• Develop and improve evaporation, crystallization, and transport models for complex brine systems
• Investigate heat and mass transfer phenomena in open-water and engineered evaporation systems
• Study and optimize brine chemistry evolution, salt precipitation behavior, and fouling mechanisms
• Develop fouling prevention and mitigation strategies for evaporation and concentration systems
• Support scale-up activities from benchtop experiments to industrial pilot deployments
• Analyze field and laboratory data to improve operational efficiency and predictive capabilities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (materials, manufacturing, modeling, and operations)
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, SOPs, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Expertise in solar evaporation systems, evaporation theory, and brine chemistry
• Deep understanding of heat transfer, mass transfer, and multiphase transport phenomena
• Hands-on experimental experience in laboratory and/or pilot-scale systems
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, and scientific interpretation
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with lithium brines, desalination, crystallization, and/or mineral processing systems
• Experience with evaporation/transport modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, Python, Aspen, CFD)
• Experience with rapid prototyping or 3D printing technologies
• Experience working in industrial, field, and/or pilot-plant environments

• Work on breakthrough technologies for critical mineral production and energy sustainability
• Direct involvement in industrial pilots and commercial deployments
• Collaborative startup environment with strong academic and industrial partnerships
• Competitive salary, equity participation, and benefits
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly growing climate-tech company