Process Engineer

Phoenix Tailings; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning & development

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Process Engineer to join the Rochester Freedom Facility. You will apply process chemistry, operating data, test work, and field observations to diagnose problems and design improvements that boost recovery, stability, and product quality.

Early-career engineers with a strong technical foundation and hands-on plant experience are encouraged to apply as we prepare for startup and scale operations in 2027–2028.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of chemical separations, mass and energy balances, and process chemistry; familiarity with solvent extraction, leaching, or precipitation is highly valued
• Hands‑on experience with process equipment, experiments, or technical troubleshooting through internships, co‑ops, research, or industry roles
• Ability to analyze operating and experimental data using Excel or similar tools, prepare clear process documentation, and explain recommended changes to operators

Responsibilities

• Analyze process chemistry, operating trends, and recovery results to identify performance gaps and recommend operating adjustments
• Walk the circuit with operators to troubleshoot process and equipment issues and translate findings into clear field direction
• Plan and run or coordinate test work to evaluate separation performance and validate proposed process changes
• Develop and maintain mass and energy balances, process flow diagrams, and operating procedures that support consistent plant performance
• Support commissioning and startup by evaluating process results and providing technical guidance to control room and field operators

Skills

Data analysis

Excel

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Education

Chemical/Metallurgical/Chemistry degree

Tools

Solvent extraction

Mass & energy balances

Process chemistry

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup focused on building a domestic supply of critical materials.

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup focused on building a domestic supply of critical materials.
Our Freedom Facility in Rochester, New York will be a commercial-scale rare earth separation facility designed to expand U.S. capacity to process and separate rare earth materials.
Rare earths are essential inputs for many of the technologies that power modern life. They are used in high-performance permanent magnets found in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, advanced electronics, aerospace systems, and defense applications.
Today, much of the world's rare earth processing and separation capacity is concentrated overseas. Building more of this capability in the United States is important for strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign processing, and supporting the advanced manufacturing, energy, technology, and national-security industries that depend on these materials.
The Freedom Facility will be designed to produce thousands of tons of separated rare earth oxides annually, making Rochester an important part of Phoenix Tailings' expansion of domestic rare earth processing capacity.

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 - Say what you think even when it’s uncomfortable
• Lead with Compassion - Show up for your teammates, make the people around you better.
• Be Resourceful - Find a way with what you have, don't wait for more.
• Listen - Understand before you act, ask good questions before deciding.
• Hustle - Put your heart into every interaction, no matter how small.

Who We Are Looking For

As we build toward operations in 2027 and 2028, we are beginning to meet with individuals who may be interested in joining Phoenix Tailings.

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Process Engineer interested in future opportunities at our Rochester Freedom Facility.

The Process Engineer will provide the technical understanding needed to operate and improve the separations circuit. This person will combine process chemistry, operating data, test work, and field observations to diagnose problems and recommend changes that improve recovery, stability, and product quality.

This is an opportunity to help prepare a new facility for startup and support the operators who will run it. Early-career engineers with a strong technical foundation and an interest in hands‑on plant work are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze process chemistry, operating trends, and recovery results to identify performance gaps and recommend operating adjustments
• Walk the circuit with operators to troubleshoot process and equipment issues and translate findings into clear field direction
• Plan and run or coordinate test work to evaluate separation performance and validate proposed process changes
• Develop and maintain mass and energy balances, process flow diagrams, and operating procedures that support consistent plant performance
• Support commissioning and startup by evaluating process results and providing technical guidance to control room and field operators

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of chemical separations, mass and energy balances, and process chemistry; familiarity with solvent extraction, leaching, or precipitation is highly valued
• Hands‑on experience with process equipment, experiments, or technical troubleshooting through internships, co‑ops, research, or industry roles
• Ability to analyze operating and experimental data using Excel or similar tools, prepare clear process documentation, and explain recommended changes to operators

What We Offer

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: $70,000-$180,000 per year

• 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.

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow

the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.

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).

Please note:

This posting is intended to help Phoenix Tailings connect with people interested in future opportunities at our Rochester facility. Hiring timelines, responsibilities, qualifications, and organizational needs may continue to evolve as the Freedom Facility progresses toward startup and operations.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data processed, please contact us.