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Kunin · 2 months ago

Hydrometallurgist

Chattanooga

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$80K/yr - $150K/yr

3+ years exp

Kunin Technologies is revolutionizing the critical mineral supply chain by implementing advanced separation technologies to capture value from overlooked resources. The Hydrometallurgist will lead hydrometallurgical flowsheet development for critical mineral recovery, focusing on the integration of various unit operations and ensuring successful pilot testing and commercialization.

Mining & Metals

Responsibilities

Development of hydrometallurgical flowsheets across leaching, solid–liquid separation, ion-exchange, solvent extraction, precipitation, crystallization, electrowinning, polishing, and effluent management

Hands-on laboratory experimentation to optimize kinetics, selectivity, throughput, purity, and regeneration chemistry for Kunin’s separation systems and integrated flowsheets

Pilot testing of hydrometallurgical unit operations to validate bench-scale results

Process cost modeling, converting key process equilibrium, mass transfer, and reaction rates into value model assumptions

Cross-functional alignment with the ion-exchange media team on resin and reagent choices and with the process controls development team on operating windows

Scale flowsheets from pilot through to commercial deployment

Identify, vet, and down-select key process technology vendors from pilot through commercialization

Lead engagement and joint-research collaboration with National Laboratories, Universities, & Corporate R&D teams

Qualification

HydrometallurgyFlowsheet developmentProcess modelingMetSimAspen PlusIon-exchangeSolvent extractionElectrowinningLaboratory experimentationTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy or Hydrometallurgy

Hydrometallurgist with 3+ years in flowsheet development and unit-operation optimization

Process modeling and transport analyst using MetSim, HSC Chemistry, SysCAD, and Aspen Plus

Excited to work in an early-stage startup environment with high autonomy, opportunity, & expectations

Hands-on technical lead, willing to work directly on bench and pilot scale operations regardless of seniority

Must be willing to relocate to Chattanooga, TN and available to travel to customers across the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia for process technology installation and commissioning

Flexibility for extended hours during critical project phases

Preferred

Hands-on laboratory and pilot experience across leaching, solid–liquid separation, ion-exchange, solvent extraction, and precipitation; electrowinning and crystallization preferred

Precipitate/electrolyte modelling tools (PHREEQC, Oli Studio)