Chemical Process Engineer II -Separation

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a clean mining and metals production startup focused on sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to become the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, providing resources for the next generation of economies.

Who We Are Looking For

Pheonix Tailings is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer II to join our team. This role involves supporting the development, optimization, and scale-up of solvent extraction processes for rare earth separation. The ideal candidate thrives on turning experiments into real-world solutions and is eager to grow with an ambitious and mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lab- and pilot-scale solvent extraction systems to test rare earth separation processes
• Run experiments, collect data, and analyze results to evaluate reagent performance and separation efficiency
• Contribute to process development through iterative testing, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Support development of mass balances, PFDs, and other process documentation
• Aid in scaling up bench-scale results to pilot-scale systems and support commissioning activities
• Maintain chemical inventory, ensure safe lab practices, and adhere to all safety protocols
• Document experimental results clearly and contribute to technical reports and presentations
• Work cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams to ensure experimental designs align with scale-up needs

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field with 2–5 years of relevant industry experience
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry, ideally including solvent extraction or hydrometallurgical systems
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret experimental results to drive process improvement
• Familiarity with chemical process equipment and lab best practices
• Experience preparing PFDs, maintaining lab notebooks, and writing technical documentation
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a focus on experimentation and learning
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team

Benefits

• Healthcare: 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: Results-focused, with a non-office-based work schedule