3.2. Lead Separation Engineer

Phoenix Tailings Inc.; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock Options

Unlimited PTO

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts, is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Engineer specializing in solvent extraction and process development. The role involves leading the scale-up of rare earth separation systems from bench to commercial-scale production, optimizing experiments, and mentoring a technical team. The compensation package includes a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $180,000, healthcare benefits, and unlimited PTO. Candidates are expected to have relevant degrees and extensive experience in chemical process development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in solvent extraction or chemical process development.
• Proven success scaling processes from lab to pilot to production.
• Deep understanding of separation chemistry and multi-stage extraction equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lifecycle of solvent extraction process development.
• Design and optimize bench-scale experiments.
• Develop pilot-scale solvent extraction systems.

Skills

Solvent extraction

Process development

Data analysis

Experience with mixer-settlers

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen

MATLAB

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, 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 Lead Chemical Process Engineer – Separation with deep expertise in solvent extraction and process development to own the scale-up of rare earth separation systems from bench to pilot to commercial-scale production. This role will be instrumental in building the technical foundation of our separation technologies and will take a leadership role in developing both the process and the team that will bring it to life. You will help define how clean rare earth separations are designed, built, and scaled in the U.S. and directly shape the future of sustainable critical materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of solvent extraction process development: from bench-scale R&D through pilot and into full-scale commercial deployment
• Design, operate, and optimize bench-scale experiments to evaluate separation performance and extractant chemistry
• Develop and operate pilot-scale solvent extraction systems, collecting real-time data and translating findings into scalable design improvements
• Define scale-up strategy, equipment selection, and process control logic for transition to production-scale systems
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including mass balances, PFDs, SOPs, and operational guidelines
• Build and mentor a growing separation process team, including chemical engineers and technicians
• Identify critical process bottlenecks and propose engineering solutions using both experimental and modeling approaches
• Ensure safety, reliability, and process integrity across all phases of development
• Contribute to broader separation technology roadmaps and help set technical direction for future rare earth and critical metal systems

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy, or chemical process development
• Proven success scaling chemical separation processes from lab to pilot to production
• Deep understanding of separation chemistry, extractant systems, and multi-stage liquid-liquid extraction equipment
• Experience designing and operating pilot systems such as mixer‑settlers, centrifugal contactors, or columns
• Strong background in data analysis, process modeling (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB), and scale-up engineering principles
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow technical teams, with strong mentoring and collaboration skills
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

We offer a competitive compensation package

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

Pay Range: $150,000- $180,000 total cash compensation plus equity

• 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).