Process Engineer

Alta Resource Technologies; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K)

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Flexible Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Company Holidays

Job summary

Alta Resource Technologies in Boulder, CO seeks a Process Engineer to lead operation, maintenance and improvement of the Demonstration Facility. You will support design work for semiworks facilities, contribute to the innovation pipeline, and collaborate across chemistry, biology and engineering disciplines.

The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder facility with experience in chemical, petrochemical, mining processes and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering required.
• At least 2 years in a Chemical/Petrochemical or Mining setting.
• Experience with processing plants or pilot/demo scale facilities.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, mass/heat transfer and reaction engineering.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management and systems implementation.
• Ability to lead operators and scale technology from pilot to commercial scale.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Process Safety, Environmental and SHE procedures.
• Lead Operations and Maintenance activities for the plant.
• Support design work for semiworks facilities and technology improvements.
• Collaborate across disciplines and liaise with supply chain and facilities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Systems thinking

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

PLC/DCS programming

Job description

About Alta

Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO. The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend.

Role Summary

Alta is seeking a talented Process Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Operations team. This role will lead the operation, maintenance and improvement of our Demonstration Facility, contribute to technology improvement and support design work for the semiworks facilities. This role will be a key contributor to our innovation pipeline.

A successful candidate should have Operational experience in the Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Oil & Gas, and/or Mining Process Industries. There should be a strong desire to collaborate across disciplines including chemistry, biology, and engineering. The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder Facility.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Systems Development

• Develop and implement Process Safety, Environmental and relevant SHE procedures
• Develop and implement Operations, Maintenance and Reliability systems/strategies
• Create a body of knowledge for the Operation of Alta’s mineral separation process that will inform the design and operation of commercial scale facilities
• Lead the development of the plant training plan

Plant Operation

• Lead the Operations and Maintenance activities of the plant
• Lead and support all Process Safety related activities (including managing of the deviation process, MOC, Risk Assessments, PHAs, etc)
• Monitor performance of process equipment
• Provide technical support to the Operations team for day-to-day and long-term troubleshooting
• Identify and implement process and equipment improvement opportunities
• Produce necessary reports for safety management, production, and technology improvements
• Liaison with supply chain and facilities department to maintain raw materials and spare parts
• Liaison with supply chain to ship products
• Support hiring activities for the plant

Technology Improvement

• Contribute to technology improvement and optimization studies/projects
• Work with the R&D team to create Design of Experiments to be executed at various scales
• Interface with licensors and vendors to improve design of key equipment
• Support design work for the semiworks facilities

Other Responsibilities

• Support development of Engineering Standards
• Participation in conferences and events
• Become the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Alta’s rare earth element process technology

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering
• At least 2 years of experience in a similar position in a Chemical/Petrochemical, Mining
• Processing plants and/or Demo/Pilot scale facilities
• Sound working knowledge of hydraulics, mass transfer, heat transfer and reaction engineering
• Process Safety Management knowledge
• Ability to create and implement systems
• Ability to lead Operators
• Mechanically inclined and can troubleshoot and fix equipmentPreferred Qualifications
• Operational experience with unit operations such as adsorption, column separation, chromatography, solid/liquid separation, solids handling, rotary kilns/calciners and other hydrometallurgy-related unit operations would be an asset
• PLC/DCS programming and troubleshooting knowledge would be an asset
• Hands-on experience working on scaling-up technology from pilot to commercial scale
• Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

• The starting pay range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 and is commensurate with educational background and work experience. Benefits include:
• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays

EOE

Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions.

If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

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