Phoenix Tailings · 22 hours ago
Senior Process Engineer
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. They are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to optimize processes for metal extraction and lead sustainability initiatives by collaborating with engineers and scientists in developing novel extraction methods.
Advanced MaterialsCleanTechIndustrialManufacturingMiningSustainabilityWaste Management
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Exceptional project management skills, with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary initiatives
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences
Benefits
100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
Parental leave and flexibility for families.
Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.
Company
Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a metals-refining company that transforms mining waste (“tailings”) into usable rare earth and critical metals.
H1B Sponsorship
Phoenix Tailings has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (3)
2023 (1)
2022 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$104.24MKey Investors
ARPA-EEnvisioning PartnersMassVentures
2025-12-25Series B
2025-12-04Grant· $1.6M
2025-04-30Series B· $33M
Recent News
2025-12-30
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase