4.3. Principal Process Engineer-Recycling

Phoenix Tailings; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clean mining and metals production startup is seeking a Principal Process Engineer – Recycling to spearhead innovative recycling systems. The ideal candidate will leverage expertise in sustainable metallurgy to establish industry standards and shape the future of clean metals production while promoting environmental responsibility.

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock options

Flexible vacation policy

Parental leave and flexibility

Professional growth and development

Qualifications

• 8+ years in process development or chemical engineering.
• Expertise in recycling and chemical recovery systems.
• Experience scaling closed-loop processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale internal recycling systems.
• Build closed-loop circuits for recovery of solvents.
• Evaluate advanced separation and purification technologies.

Skills

Process Development

Chemical Recovery

Hydrometallurgical Techniques

Systems Thinking

Sustainability Goals Integration

Education

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

Materials Science or related field

Tools

Aspen Plus

MATLAB

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economically critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing resources for the next generation of our economy.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is achieved alone or without passionate people who motivate and push each other. If you share our pursuit of a better future, have a passion for innovation, and are excited to work with top industry innovators, then this is the place for you.

Our Values:

• You are only crazy if you are wrong; it’s okay to be wrong
• Lead with Compassion
• Be Resourceful
• Listen
• Hustle

Who We Are Looking For:

We seek a visionary and hands-on Principal Process Engineer – Recycling to lead the design and implementation of our zero-waste, zero-emissions recycling systems. This role is key to achieving full circularity in critical metal production. You will develop closed-loop recovery processes for solvents, reagents, and materials across multiple refining technologies, shaping sustainable metallurgy and establishing Phoenix Tailings as a leader in clean metals innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and scale internal recycling systems.
• Build and optimize closed-loop circuits for high-efficiency recovery of solvents, extractants, and reagents.
• Develop integrated recycling solutions for systems like solvent extraction and metallization.
• Perform system-level material and energy balances to model recycling pathways and their operational impacts.
• Evaluate and select advanced separation, purification, and recovery technologies suited to our chemistries.
• Conduct pilot and bench-scale experiments to validate recovery strategies.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to embed recycling into all process layers.
• Establish KPIs and monitoring systems for recycling efficiency and environmental impact.
• Guide technical direction and mentor junior engineers in sustainable process design.

Qualifications:

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 8+ years in process development or chemical engineering, with expertise in recycling and chemical recovery systems.
• Experience scaling and implementing closed-loop processes in industrial settings.
• Strong knowledge of hydrometallurgical techniques, including solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrochemical systems.
• Proficiency in process modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB).
• Excellent systems thinking skills and ability to translate sustainability goals into engineered solutions.
• Leadership experience in technical innovation and multidisciplinary project management.
• Passion for sustainable, clean technologies.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation based on expertise.
• Benefits: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Stock options: Ownership in a fast-growing, venture-backed company.
• Family-friendly policies: Parental leave and flexibility.
• Time Off: Flexible vacation policy.
• Team Fun: Regular events and celebrations.
• Learning Opportunities: Professional growth and development.
• Great Team: Collaborate with dedicated, kind, and motivated colleagues.
• Flexible Culture: Results-oriented, with flexible work arrangements.

At Phoenix Tailings, we foster an open culture that values learning. We are eager to grow our team with passionate individuals aligned with our vision of sustainable mining.

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.