4.2. Senior Process Engineer

Key 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.  

Qualifications:

• 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.

• Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 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. 
• Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
• Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.