2.4. Chemical Development Engineer II

Phoenixtailings; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive parental leave and flexible vacation policy

Job summary

Phoenixtailings in Burlington, Massachusetts, is looking for a Development Engineer II to enhance its rare earth elements extraction technologies. The role involves designing experiments and optimizing processes, playing a critical part in sustainable metals production.

Ideal candidates should have a degree in engineering or materials science, along with relevant experience in process development. The position includes competitive salary packages and benefits like healthcare coverage and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of hands-on experience in the field.
• Demonstrated expertise in chemical extraction techniques.
• Comfortable in an iterative R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments.
• Build and validate process models.
• Optimize operations for efficiency and quality.
• Support advanced separation techniques development.
• Analyze experimental data for process improvements.

Skills

Process development

Hydrometallurgy

Chemical processing

Solid-liquid separation

Technical writing

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

ICP-OES

XRD

SEM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

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.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Development Engineer II to help scale and refine our rare earth element (REE) extraction and metallization technologies. This role is core to accelerating our R&D and deployment of clean, economically viable processes that enable sustainable access to critical materials. As a key member of the technical development team, you’ll have the opportunity to directly shape the future of critical metals infrastructure in the U.S. through deep technical experimentation and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments across the rare earth extraction and metallization process flowsheet
• Build and validate process models including comprehensive mass and energy balances
• Optimize chloride leaching, dissolution, and filtration operations to improve efficiency and product quality
• Support the development of advanced separation techniques for REE purification and concentration
• Develop robust precipitation processes for conversion of rare earth chlorides into high‑purity oxides
• Contribute to early‑stage metallization process R&D for converting oxides into individual rare earth metals
• Analyze experimental data and use findings to drive iterative improvements to the process
• Specify and evaluate equipment required for pilot and commercial‑scale implementation
• Document all research procedures, findings, and recommendations with technical precision
• Ensure all experiments and development efforts align with EH&S and sustainability standards

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• 3–6 years of hands‑on experience in process development, hydrometallurgy, or chemical processing
• Proficiency in designing experiments and interpreting data to solve complex technical challenges
• Demonstrated expertise in solid‑liquid separation, precipitation, and chemical extraction techniques
• Strong foundation in process engineering including mass and energy balance modeling
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and analytical tools (e.g., ICP-OES, XRD, SEM)
• Clear, structured technical writing skills for documentation and reporting
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, iterative R&D environment
• Familiarity with rare earth chemistry and metallurgical challenges preferred
• Experience with process simulation tools (e.g., HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus) is a plus

Benefits

• Salary: $90,000–$130,000 per year plus equity
• Healthcare: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast‑growing venture‑backed company
• Unlimited PTO
• Learning and development opportunities
• Competitive parental leave and flexible vacation policy

Equal Opportunity Statement

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, genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics. These characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work‑related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline.