Process Engineer

PHNX Materials • San Leandro, CA

1d • $120,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

PHNX Materials is a Department of Energy and Department of War initiative focused on closing the gap in domestic critical mineral supply chains. The company operates a "solids refinery" that transforms industrial waste, such as coal ash and zinc slag, into valuable product streams. These streams include critical metals essential for semiconductors and defense, a cement replacement material for the construction industry, and fertilizer for agriculture. This platform offers a triple benefit: securing domestic critical mineral supplies, assisting power producers in retiring coal ash liabilities, and providing concrete producers with a more affordable and lower-carbon alternative to traditional cement. PHNX also supports coal communities and works on groundwater remediation. The company was founded by individuals with backgrounds from Stanford, Tesla, and national labs, and is supported by investors like Trust Ventures, Overture, and KdT, as well as sponsorship from the U.S. Department of War and the U.S. Department of Energy. The company is seeking a Process Engineer with specialized knowledge in fluid and gas-phase management, particularly with corrosive gases and sulfur compounds, to play a key technical role during the company's scale-up phase. This position requires cross-functional collaboration with R&D, operations, and external engineering partners. The ideal candidate will have practical experience in sulfuric acid facilities and a solid understanding of process design, fluid dynamics, chemical compatibility, and material selection. This role presents a unique opportunity to influence and implement innovative chemical systems on a large scale.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in chemical process engineering with direct exposure to sulfuric acid or similar chemical facilities.
• Strong command of fluid dynamics, gas-phase transport, and reactive chemical systems.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and hands-on experience in process design.
• Experience collaborating across R&D and engineering functions to bring new technologies to life.
• A commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and engineering rigor.
• Bachelor's / Master’s / PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Ideally, experience with setting up and operating manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design and engineering for fluid and gas-phase systems involved in ash processing and chemical recovery, including sulfuric acid and other volatile or corrosive compounds.
• Develop and refine process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass and energy balances for both pilot and full-scale systems.
• Design and specify key unit operations such as scrubbers, absorbers, degassers, pressure vessels, and neutralizers.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team to translate lab-scale results into scalable, field-ready engineering solutions, including troubleshooting performance and modifying designs as needed.
• Model fluid and gas behavior across complex chemical systems, optimizing for pressure, temperature, and chemical compatibility.
• Support material selection and corrosion mitigation strategies for process piping, tanks, and equipment.
• Interface with EPC contractors and vendors on equipment design, process integration, and procurement decisions.
• Ensure system safety, emissions control, and compliance with environmental regulations related to chemical handling and gas management.

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape and build a facility tackling major environmental challenges.
• Dynamic startup environment with mission-driven team and room for growth.
• The chance to revolutionize heavy industries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior