Senior Chemical Process Engineer-Separation

Senior Chemical Process Engineer – Separation

Join us at Phoenix Tailings
, 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.

We believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you share our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, this is the place for you.

• You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
• Lead with Compassion
• Be Resourceful
• Listen
• Hustle

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.

• 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 contractors
• 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

• 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
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, startup, or R&D‑intensive environment is a plus
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills

• Healthcare: 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
• 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

At Phoenix Tailings, Inc. we are an Equal Opportunity Employer, valuing diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other applicable protected characteristics.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.