2.4. Chemical Engineer I – Hydrometallurgy

About Phoenix Tailings 

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy. 

Why Phoenix Tailings 

At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without people who push the boundaries of what’s possible. You’ll be joining a team building the foundational infrastructure for a secure, domestic supply of critical metals. The work you do here will directly influence how rare earths and other strategic materials are produced for decades to come. 

Our Values:  

● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong

● Lead with Compassion

● Be Resourceful

● Listen

● Hustle

Who We Are Looking For: 

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Chemical Engineer I with a strong foundation in hydrometallurgy and wet chemistry who is excited to work hands-on in the laboratory and pilot environment to develop and scale next-generation critical metals processes. 

This role is focused on executing experiments, generating high-quality data, and supporting early scale-up rather than primarily modeling or simulation work. You will work closely with senior engineers and scientists to operate laboratory systems, refine process conditions, and translate experimental results into scalable process designs that enable Phoenix Tailings’ transition from R&D to commercial deployment. 

This pay range reflects the expected compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Salary Range: $70,000-$100,000

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory-scale experiments for hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, separation, and purification of critical and rare earth metals 
• Perform wet chemistry work in a laboratory setting, including solution preparation, pH control, precipitation, filtration, and material handling 
• Generate high-quality experimental data to support process development, optimization, and scale-up decisions 
• Support equipment sizing and selection for reactors, thickeners, filtration systems, and mixer-settlers based on process requirements and experimental results 
• Assist in translating laboratory and bench-scale results into pilot-scale process concepts and operating parameters 
• Support development of process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and operating assumptions informed by experimental data 
• Collaborate with R&D and pilot teams to troubleshoot process challenges and refine operating conditions 
• Maintain clear experimental records, technical documentation, and summaries for internal design reviews 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline 
• 1–3 years of experience in laboratory-based process engineering, hydrometallurgy, or chemically intensive systems 
• Hands-on wet chemistry experience in a laboratory setting, including lab safety practices, aqueous chemistry, acid–base chemistry, filtration, and precipitation 
• Understanding of core hydrometallurgical unit operations including leaching, solid–liquid separation, solvent extraction, and precipitation 
• Ability to execute experiments, interpret results, and apply findings to process development and early scale-up efforts 
• Familiarity with laboratory and pilot-scale chemical equipment and operations 
• Motivated by building real-world infrastructure that advances clean technology and strengthens domestic critical materials supply chains 

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).