R&D Process Engineer Intern, Rare Earth Pilot Plant

USA Rare Earth; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, invites energetic students to join the R&D Process Engineering team as a Summer 2027 intern. The role focuses on rare earth extraction, separation, and purification, with hands-on exposure to lab work and pilot-scale systems in a fast-paced environment.

You will assist with experimental design, data collection and analysis, mass balance calculations, and documentation, collaborating with engineers and technicians while upholding safety and quality

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in a technical field related to chemical engineering or materials science.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an interest in hands-on technical work.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate technical information clearly.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory and pilot-scale experiments related to rare earth extraction, separation, and purification.
• Assist with experimental design, sample preparation, testing, data collection, and analysis.
• Support pilot plant operations, including equipment setup, testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Perform mass balance calculations and analyze process data to evaluate recovery, efficiency, and product quality.
• Assist with SOPs, test plans, technical reports, and other process documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel to support process development and scale-up.
• Follow established safety, quality, and environmental procedures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Hands-on technical work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Materials Science

Chemistry

Related technical field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Pilot-scale systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

USA Rare Earth in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, invites energetic students to join the R&D Process Engineering team as a Summer 2027 intern. The role focuses on rare earth extraction, separation, and purification, with hands-on exposure to lab work and pilot-scale systems in a fast-paced environment.

You will assist with experimental design, data collection and analysis, mass balance calculations, and documentation, collaborating with engineers and technicians while upholding safety and quality