3.4. Chemical Process Engineer II -Separation

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% Medical, dental, and vision

Ownership in a venture-backed company

Parental leave and flexibility

Flexible vacation policy

Learning and development opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. in Burlington, MA is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer II to advance solvent extraction development for rare earth separation. You will work hands-on in our labs and pilot facilities, turning experiments into scalable processes.

Join a mission-driven, venture-backed team dedicated to sustainable metals production, with opportunities to influence process design, data-driven optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry, ideally including solvent extraction or hydrometallurgical systems.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret experimental results to drive process improvement.
• Familiarity with chemical process equipment and lab best practices.
• Experience preparing PFDs, maintaining lab notebooks, and writing technical documentation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a focus on experimentation and learning.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lab- and pilot-scale solvent extraction systems to test rare earth separation processes.
• Run experiments, collect data, and analyze results to evaluate reagent performance and separation efficiency.
• Contribute to process development through iterative testing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Support development of mass balances, PFDs, and other process documentation.
• Assist in scaling up bench-scale results to pilot-scale systems and support commissioning activities.
• Maintain chemical inventory, ensure safe lab practices, and adhere to all safety protocols.
• Document experimental results clearly and contribute to technical reports and presentations.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams to ensure experimental designs align with scale-up needs.

Skills

Data analysis

Strong communication

Wet chemistry experience

Education

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

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 Chemical Process Engineer II who is excited to solve some of the most critical challenges in clean metals production. In this role, you’ll focus on supporting the development, optimization, and scale‑up of solvent extraction processes for rare earth separation. You will work hands‑on in our labs and pilot facilities to push forward the next generation of sustainable materials technology. This is a role for someone who thrives on turning experiments into real‑world solutions and wants to grow alongside an ambitious and mission‑driven team.

This pay range reflects the expected compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Salary Range: $90,000- $130,000/year

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lab‑ and pilot‑scale solvent extraction systems to test rare earth separation processes
• Run experiments, collect data, and analyze results to evaluate reagent performance and separation efficiency
• Contribute to process development through iterative testing, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Support development of mass balances, PFDs, and other process documentation
• Assist in scaling up bench‑scale results to pilot‑scale systems and support commissioning activities
• Maintain chemical inventory, ensure safe lab practices, and adhere to all safety protocols
• Document experimental results clearly and contribute to technical reports and presentations
• Work cross‑functionally with engineering and operations teams to ensure experimental designs align with scale‑up needs

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field with 2–5 years of relevant industry experience
• Hands‑on experience with wet chemistry, ideally including solvent extraction or hydrometallurgical systems
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret experimental results to drive process improvement
• Familiarity with chemical process equipment and lab best practices
• Experience preparing PFDs, maintaining lab notebooks, and writing technical documentation
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment with a focus on experimentation and learning
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team

Benefits

• 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Ownership in a fast‑growing venture‑backed company
• Parental leave and flexibility for families
• Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world
• Regularly scheduled events and celebrations
• Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Working with fun, hard‑working, kind people committed to making a difference
• Results‑focused culture: we don’t work at the office every day

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).