Phoenix Tailings · 1 month ago
3.1. Principal Chemical Process Engineer-Separation
Burlington, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
8+ years expPhoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. They are seeking a Principal Chemical Process Engineer who will lead the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of solvent extraction processes to support a clean, domestic supply of critical materials.
Advanced MaterialsCleanTechIndustrialManufacturingMiningSustainabilityWaste Management
Responsibilities
Lead the development and optimization of solvent extraction circuits for rare earth element separation from both primary and secondary sources
Design and execute bench- and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate separation efficiency, reagent performance, and system dynamics
Translate laboratory-scale successes into scalable, industrial processes with a focus on safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness
Own and evolve process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and P&IDs for solvent extraction systems
Drive selection and specification of extractants, diluents, and equipment (e.g., mixer-settlers, columns, or centrifugal contactors)
Analyze separation performance data to identify improvement opportunities and implement process changes
Collaborate closely with metallurgy, chemical engineering, and operations teams to support plant commissioning and troubleshooting
Author technical reports, scale-up plans, and design documentation to support commercialization of Phoenix Tailings’ extraction technologies
Stay at the forefront of solvent extraction technologies and rare earth processing trends to inform and elevate process strategy
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience
Proven expertise in rare earth element/critical metals separation via solvent extraction, including reagent chemistry, process configuration, and optimization
Hands-on experience with lab-scale and pilot-scale solvent extraction systems, including safety and operational best practices
Deep understanding of phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to solvent extraction
Demonstrated success in scaling up chemical separation processes from bench to pilot to commercial scale
Proficiency with process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen, METSIM, or similar)
Excellent problem-solving skills with a passion for experimental validation and continuous improvement
Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in cross-disciplinary environments
Benefits
100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
Parental leave and flexibility for families.
Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.
Company
Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a metals-refining company that transforms mining waste (“tailings”) into usable rare earth and critical metals.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Phoenix Tailings has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (3)
2023 (1)
2022 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$104.24MKey Investors
ARPA-EEnvisioning PartnersMassVentures
2025-12-25Series B
2025-12-04Grant· $1.6M
2025-04-30Series B· $33M
Leadership Team
Nicholas Myers
CEO & Co-Founder
Anthony Balladon
Chief Commercial Officer & Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-12-30
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase