4.1. Principal Process Engineer

Energy Vault; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly-growing startup in clean mining seeks a Principal Process Engineer to lead innovative processes for sustainable metal refining. The role involves designing efficient systems, mentoring engineers, and scaling processes for production while promoting environmental sustainability. This position offers comprehensive benefits and a focus on collaboration and growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

Stock options

Parental leave and flexible family policies

Flexible vacation and work arrangements

Team events and celebrations

Learning and development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years in process engineering with a focus on scaling processes.
• Experience in metal refining and strong project management skills.
• Proven leadership and mentorship abilities essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and scale advanced metal refining processes.
• Champion sustainable practices minimizing waste and enhancing efficiency.
• Collaborate with R&D and operations to ensure effective implementation.

Skills

Process Design

Optimization

Leadership

Project Management

Process Safety

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical or Process Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

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 Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you share our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and excitement about working with top innovators, 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 seeks an experienced and visionary Principal Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and scaling of innovative processes for sustainable metal refining at our Burlington, MA location. This leadership role will drive high-impact projects, set technical direction, and ensure scalability and efficiency of our cutting-edge technologies.

As a Principal Process Engineer, you will own complex process engineering challenges, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to meet operational and sustainability goals. Expertise in process engineering, design, and scale-up, along with a passion for clean technology, is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced processes for metal refining, ensuring efficiency, safety, and scalability.
• Improve existing processes to enhance performance, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.
• Champion sustainable process design, minimizing waste, emissions, and resource use, focusing on recycling and reuse.
• Scale processes from laboratory and pilot stages to full production, ensuring feasibility and reliability.
• Validate and test processes to meet operational, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations to integrate new processes seamlessly.
• Work with leadership to align technical goals with company objectives and assess project timelines.
• Provide technical guidance and support on engineering challenges.
• Lead high-impact projects, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery of quality standards.
• Maintain documentation such as process diagrams, P&IDs, SOPs, and reports.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical or Process Engineering; PhD preferred.
• 10+ years in process engineering, with expertise in design, scale-up, and optimization.
• Experience scaling processes from R&D to full production.
• Proficiency with process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong knowledge of process safety, quality, and operational practices.
• Proven leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Experience with metal refining (e.g., aluminum, magnesium) preferred.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Stock options in a growing venture-backed company
• Parental leave and flexible family policies
• Flexible vacation and work arrangements
• Team events and celebrations
• Learning and development opportunities
• Collaborative and innovative team environment

We foster an open culture that values learning and growth. Join us in our vision for sustainable mining.

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and ensure consideration for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.