2.1 Senior Process Engineer – Extraction

Phoenixtailings; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Phoenixtailings, based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead the scaling of mining and metals processing operations. This role involves critical process design decisions impacting recovery, throughput, and cost.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in process engineering, especially in scaling from pilot stages to commercial operations. The compensation package ranges from $120,000 to $160,000, accompanied by benefiting offerings like unlimited PTO and stock options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in process engineering within mining, metals, or extractive industries.
• Demonstrated experience scaling mineral processing systems from pilot to commercial operation.
• Excellent analytical skills and familiarity with data-driven process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design and scale-up of mining and metals operations.
• Define process architecture and design criteria for reliable operation.
• Drive process optimization to increase throughput and recovery.

Skills

Deep experience in scaling mining or metals processing operations

Strong command of mass balances and process modeling

Experience with hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical routes

Proven ability to diagnose process bottlenecks

Comfort operating in fast-moving environments

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

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 required to power the technology of today and tomorrow.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix,we’re building more than technology—we’re building the future supply chain for critical and rare earth metals. This work matters. It demands urgency, rigor, and creativity. You’ll join a team that values ownership, technical excellence, and the courage to challenge legacy approaches to mining and metals production.

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 Senior Process Engineer with deep experiences scaling mining or metals processing operations from pilot or early commercial stages into reliable, high-throughput systems. In this role, you will own core process design decisions that directly impact recovery, throughput, operating cost, and system reliability. Your work will be foundational to Phoenix Tailings’ transition from development-stage technology to full commercial operations—helping secure a domestic, clean supply of critical metals.

• Lead process design and scale-up of mining and metals operations from pilot to commercial production


• Own mass and energy balances across complex, multi-step processing flowsheets


• Define process architecture, operating envelopes, and design criteria to enable reliable, continuous operation


• Drive process optimization to increase throughput, recovery, and overall system efficiency


• Identify and mitigate scale-up risks related to materials handling, kinetics, residence time, and process control


• Support equipment sizing, selection, and specification for large-scale metals processing systems


• Develop and review process flow diagrams (PFDs), design bases, and technical documentation for internal and external stakeholders


• Partner with operations and leadership to support commissioning, ramp-up, and steady-state performance

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline


• 7+ years of experience in process engineering within mining, metals, or extractive industries


• Demonstrated experience scaling mineral processing or metallurgical systems from pilot or demonstration scale to commercial operation


• Strong command of mass balances, process modeling, and flowsheet development


• Experience with hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, or combined processing routes for metals production


• Proven ability to diagnose process bottlenecks and implement scalable, data-driven solutions


• Comfortable operating in fast-moving environments where process design and execution evolve rapidly

Pay

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $120,000- $160,000 total cash compensation plus equity

Benefits

• Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.


• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.


• Time Off: Unlimited PTO.


• Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.

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).