3.2. Lead Separation Engineer

Phoenixtailings; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee

Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company

Unlimited PTO

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Phoenixtailings in Burlington, Massachusetts is seeking an experienced professional to lead the development of solvent extraction processes from R&D to commercial deployment. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience scaling processes and a strong background in chemical engineering.

Responsibilities include mentoring a team, optimizing extraction systems, and ensuring safety and process integrity. Benefits include 100% healthcare coverage, stock options, and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in solvent extraction or chemical process development.
• Proven success scaling chemical separation processes.
• Deep understanding of separation chemistry and extractant systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of solvent extraction process development.
• Design and optimize experiments for separation performance.
• Develop pilot-scale extraction systems and document processes.

Skills

Solvent extraction

Hydrometallurgy

Chemical process development

Data analysis

Process modeling

Team leadership

Mentoring

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Aspen

MATLAB

Job description

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

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

Pay Range

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

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).