Phoenix Tailings · 2 days ago
Senior Chemical Process Engineer-Separation
Burlington, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $160K/yr
5+ 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 Senior Chemical Process Engineer to focus on designing, optimizing, and scaling solvent extraction systems for rare earth element separation, contributing directly to their mission of establishing a sustainable supply of critical materials.
Advanced MaterialsCleanTechIndustrialManufacturingMiningSustainabilityWaste Management
Responsibilities
Execute solvent extraction process development for rare earth element separation, from bench to pilot scale
Design and operate solvent extraction experiments, evaluating efficiency, selectivity, and stability of reagent systems
Assist in scaling up processes through data analysis, process modeling, and mass/energy balance development
Contribute to the design of pilot-scale equipment including mixer-settlers, columns, or centrifugal contactors
Analyze experimental results to recommend design or operating condition changes that improve process performance
Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, PFDs, and process data logs
Support technology transfer from R&D to operations, including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting
Maintain a strong focus on safety, chemical handling, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of process work
Collaborate with a cross-functional team of chemists, metallurgists, and engineers to deliver on project milestones
Qualification
Required
M.S. or B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of industrial experience
Hands-on experience with solvent extraction for rare earth or critical metal separation
Solid understanding of phase separation dynamics, reagent selection, and extraction circuit design
Demonstrated ability to operate lab and pilot-scale chemical processes safely and effectively
Familiarity with process simulation and modeling tools (e.g., METSIM, Aspen, or similar)
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with an experimental mindset
Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
Preferred
Experience working in a fast-paced, startup, or R&D-intensive environment is a plus
Benefits
Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
Flexible culture: 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