Process Engineer - Rare Earth Separation Startup

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning and development

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer for our Rochester Freedom Facility. You will apply process chemistry, data analysis, and field observations to diagnose issues and implement improvements that raise recovery, stability, and product quality.

Early-career engineers with a strong technical base and interest in hands-on plant work are encouraged to apply. The role supports startup activities and ongoing optimization in a fast‑growing, venture-backed company.

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.

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 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
• Support commissioning and startup by evaluating process results and providing technical guidance to control room and field operators

Skills

Chemical separations

Mass and energy balances

Process chemistry

Excel data analysis

Hands-on equipment experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer for our Rochester Freedom Facility. You will apply process chemistry, data analysis, and field observations to diagnose issues and implement improvements that raise recovery, stability, and product quality.

Early-career engineers with a strong technical base and interest in hands-on plant work are encouraged to apply. The role supports startup activities and ongoing optimization in a fast‑growing, venture-backed company.