Process Engineer: Rare Earth Separation Startup

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

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.