8.2. Senior Chemical Process Engineer-Separation

Phoenix Tailings • Burlington, MA

55d

About The Position

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy. Why Phoenix Tailings At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you. Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer who thrives at the intersection of lab work and industrial process development. In this role, you’ll focus on designing, optimizing, and scaling solvent extraction systems to separate and refine rare earth elements — a cornerstone process in our clean production pathway. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role where your contributions will directly accelerate our mission to establish a domestic, sustainable supply of critical materials.

Requirements

• M.S. or B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of industrial experience
• Hands-on experience with solvent extraction for rare earth or critical metal separation
• Solid understanding of phase separation dynamics, reagent selection, and extraction circuit design
• Demonstrated ability to operate lab and pilot-scale chemical processes safely and effectively
• Familiarity with process simulation and modeling tools (e.g., METSIM, Aspen, or similar)
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with an experimental mindset
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a fast-paced, startup, or R&D-intensive environment is a plus

Responsibilities

• Execute solvent extraction process development for rare earth element separation, from bench to pilot scale
• Design and operate solvent extraction experiments, evaluating efficiency, selectivity, and stability of reagent systems
• Assist in scaling up processes through data analysis, process modeling, and mass/energy balance development
• Contribute to the design of pilot-scale equipment including mixer-settlers, columns, or centrifugal contactors
• Analyze experimental results to recommend design or operating condition changes that improve process performance
• Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, PFDs, and process data logs
• Support technology transfer from R&D to operations, including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, chemical handling, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of process work
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of chemists, metallurgists, and engineers to deliver on project milestones

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees