Process Engineer I – Recycling

Phoenix Tailings; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean mining and metals production startup in the UK is seeking a motivated Process Engineer I to support closed-loop recycling systems for critical metals production. This role is ideal for early-career engineers wanting to influence sustainable metallurgy from the ground up. Responsibilities include supporting system design, developing recovery methods, and conducting experiments. The company offers comprehensive healthcare, stock options, flexible vacation, and a vibrant company culture focused on learning and teamwork.

Benefits

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Ownership in a fast-growing company

Parental leave and family flexibility

Flexible vacation policy

Regular team events

Learning and development opportunities

Fun and kind team

Results-focused flexible culture

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience through internships or full-time roles.
• Foundational understanding of hydrometallurgical concepts.
• Comfort working in lab and pilot-scale environments.

Responsibilities

• Support design of internal recycling systems.
• Assist in developing closed-loop recovery methods.
• Perform material and mass balance calculations.

Skills

Chemical separations

Mass transfer

Reaction engineering

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering or related field

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings

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 Tailings, 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.

Our Values

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

Who We Are Looking For

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a motivated and curious Process Engineer I – Recycling to support the development and operation of our closed-loop recycling systems for critical metals production. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an early-career engineer who wants to learn how sustainable metallurgy is built from the ground up. You will work directly with senior engineers and scientists to help design, test, and operate recycling systems that reduce waste, recover valuable reagents, and move Phoenix closer to full circularity. Your work will directly influence how our processes scale and how clean metals are produced globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and improvement of internal recycling systems used across Phoenix Tailings’ refining and metallurgical processes
• Assist in developing closed-loop recovery methods for solvents, extractants, and reagents used in hydrometallurgical operations
• Perform material and mass balance calculations to help evaluate recycling efficiency and process performance
• Execute bench-scale and pilot-scale experiments to test recycling and recovery concepts
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental and operational data to inform process improvements
• Support integration of recycling steps into existing and new process flows
• Document experimental results, process changes, and standard operating procedures
• Assist with troubleshooting process upsets related to recycling and reagent recovery

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field
• 0–2 years of experience through internships, co-ops, research, or full-time roles in chemical or process engineering
• Foundational understanding of chemical separations, mass transfer, and reaction engineering
• Familiarity with hydrometallurgical concepts such as solvent extraction, leaching, or precipitation (academic or practical)
• Comfort working in lab and pilot-scale environments with hands-on experimental work
• Ability to analyze data, perform calculations, and clearly communicate technical findings
• Strong desire to learn, take ownership of technical challenges, and contribute to a mission-driven team

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

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).