Project Lead - Critical Material Extraction Pilot Program

Neo Performance Materials Helps Build Technologies of Tomorrow

Neo is fast-forwarding the green energy transition by manufacturing the critical building blocks of modern, sustainable technologies. Our advanced industrial materials—including magnetic powders and magnets, specialty chemicals, metals, and alloys—enhance efficiency and performance in everyday products and next-generation innovations.

Neo operates three business segments:
Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides, and Rare Metals. With a global footprint, we have eight manufacturing facilities across China, the United States, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, along with a dedicated research and development centre in Singapore. Join us in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The Project Lead position plays a key role in developing and piloting processes for the extraction of minor and specialty metal species from industrial by-product/waste streams. As Project Lead
, you will coordinate fundamental lab-scale investigations as well as subsequent scale-up studies and pilot programs. With your metallurgical or chemical engineering background
, you will lead the design of lab- and pilot-scale setups and will coordinate the procurement of the necessary equipment and instrumentation, while overseeing the assembly and eventually commissioning and operation thereof.

This role is designed for a mid- to senior-level professional with a good understanding of hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes, and a documented track record in commercial lab-to-pilot-scale development programs. Your expertise will contribute to enabling the successful commercialization of processes aimed at expanding Neo’s position as a global leader in the recycling and production of minor metals and minor metal compounds.

Essentially, your role would be to ensure that projects meet both technical and commercial objectives.

• Designing, directing, and supervising laboratory-scale experiments and pilot-scale testing programs aimed at developing cost-effective processes for the recovery of high-value metal units from varying types of feed materials and/or production of value-added minor metal compounds.
• Leading the execution of laboratory- and pilot-scale testing programs and liaising with technical and maintenance personnel as required to ensure the correct functioning of setups and testing equipment.
• Compiling test result reports and presenting the findings to your supervisor and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Adhering to all safety requirements and best practices to ensure the safe operation of both lab and pilot equipment and thereby ensure the safety of all personnel involved.
• Engage with multi-disciplinary scientific and technical staff to provide scientific and engineering resources to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Define and track project milestones and risks, and identify roadblocks that need to be cleared to ensure projects remain on track.
• Serve as the project manager interface between 3rd-party technology teams, vendors, consultants, or technology providers and internal subject matter experts/engineers.

• BSc or BEng degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical/Process Engineering, or a related field is an essential requirement for this position. Although not a requirement, advanced degrees (MSc, MEng or PhD) would be a plus.
• Minimum 6 - 8 years of experience in industrial technical project execution or technical customer service within the metals industry.
• Proven track record in managing lab- and pilot-scale process development programs.
• Knowledge of minor metals (e.g. gallium, tantalum, niobium, hafnium, etc.), rare earths, specialty alloys, or high-value compounds of these metals is highly desirable.
• Experience with process modelling, operating cost estimation and techno-economic evaluations.
• Good analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong competencies in problem-solving/analysis, and technical capacity. Demonstrated experience using a combination of analytical, experimental, and theoretical approaches to solve problems.
• Take a hands‑on approach and…