Technical Lead / NPI Manager – Mineral Extraction Technology

Gradiant; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gradiant seeks a Technical Lead / NPI Manager to drive mineral extraction technology from lab concept through pilot validation, scale-up and commercial deployment, working with a global team.

The role requires hands-on lithium extraction experience, process modelling skills, and the ability to move technologies from bench to deployment while coordinating with APAC vendors and client sites in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in lithium extraction technologies.
• Deep expertise in at least one extraction route.
• Process modelling skills (Aspen, OLI or PHREEQC) and analytical methods (ICP-OES/MS, IC).
• Experience taking a technology from lab through pilot toward commercial operation.
• PhD in Engineering, Chemistry or related field preferred; a Master’s with strong industrial experience will be considered.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills in English.
• Industrial water or wastewater experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize extraction flowsheets for high recovery and selectivity over competing ions (Na, K, Mg, Ca, B).
• Carry out hands-on lab work, process modelling, and mass and energy balances.
• Evaluate extraction routes and chemistries: sorbents/ion exchange, solvent extraction, membranes, precipitation/crystallization.
• Support progression from bench to pilot and demonstration, including design, procurement and commissioning of pilot units.
• Run application studies on real feeds such as brines, produced water and leachates.
• Work with vendors across APAC, including supplier site visits to inspect equipment before purchase.
• Guide interns who support your work.
• Travel: client sites in Singapore, about 6-8 weeks a year to the US, and occasional trips to China to meet vendors and suppliers.

Skills

Lithium extraction

Extraction route expertise

Process modelling

Analytical methods

Lab to pilot experience

English communication

Industrial water experience

Education

PhD in Engineering or Chemistry

Master's with strong industrial experience

Tools

Aspen

OLI

PHREEQC

Job description

Technical Lead / NPI Manager – Mineral Extraction Technology

Singapore | Full-time | Research & Development

About Gradiant

Gradiant is a different kind of water company. Founded at MIT, we deliver advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions for mission-critical industries including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, critical minerals and renewable energy. We have 1,400+ employees worldwide.

The role

Take Gradiant’s mineral extraction technology, with a focus on lithium, from lab concept through pilot validation, scale-up and commercial deployment, working with a global team of 20+ technical peers.

What you’ll do

• Develop and optimize extraction flowsheets for high recovery and selectivity over competing ions (Na, K, Mg, Ca, B)
• Carry out hands-on lab work, process modelling, and mass and energy balances
• Evaluate extraction routes and chemistries: sorbents/ion exchange, solvent extraction, membranes, precipitation/crystallization
• Support progression from bench to pilot and demonstration, including design, procurement and commissioning of pilot units
• Run application studies on real feeds such as brines, produced water and leachates
• Work with vendors across APAC, including supplier site visits to inspect equipment before purchase
• Guide interns who support your work
• Travel: client sites in Singapore, about 6-8 weeks a year to the US, and occasional trips to China to meet vendors and suppliers

What you bring

• Hands-on experience in technologies used in lithium extraction
• Deep expertise in at least one extraction route, with working knowledge of the others
• Process modelling skills (Aspen, OLI or PHREEQC) and analytical methods (ICP-OES/MS, IC)
• Experience taking a technology from lab through pilot toward commercial operation, including commissioning and troubleshooting
• PhD in Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline preferred; a Master’s with strong industrial experience will be considered
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills in English
• Industrial water or wastewater experience is an advantage

Gradiant is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.