3.6. Lead Separation Engineer

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 that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.    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 Lead Chemical Process Engineer – Separation with deep expertise in solvent extraction and process development to own the scale-up of rare earth separation systems from bench to pilot to commercial-scale production. This role will be instrumental in building the technical foundation of our separation technologies and will take a leadership role in developing both the process and the team that will bring it to life. You will help define how clean rare earth separations are designed, built, and scaled in the U.S. and directly shape the future of sustainable critical materials.     Key Responsibilities:

Lead the full lifecycle of solvent extraction process development: from bench-scale R&D through pilot and into full-scale commercial deployment

Design, operate, and optimize bench-scale experiments to evaluate separation performance and extractant chemistry

Develop and operate pilot-scale solvent extraction systems, collecting real-time data and translating findings into scalable design improvements

Define scale-up strategy, equipment selection, and process control logic for transition to production-scale systems

Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including mass balances, PFDs, SOPs, and operational guidelines

Build and mentor a growing separation process team, including chemical engineers and technicians

Identify critical process bottlenecks and propose engineering solutions using both experimental and modeling approaches

Ensure safety, reliability, and process integrity across all phases of development

Contribute to broader separation technology roadmaps and help set technical direction for future rare earth and critical metal systems

Qualifications:

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field

5+ years of hands-on experience in solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy, or chemical process development

Proven success scaling chemical separation processes from lab to pilot to production

Deep understanding of separation chemistry, extractant systems, and multi-stage liquid-liquid extraction equipment

Experience designing and operating pilot systems such as mixer-settlers, centrifugal contactors, or columns

Strong background in data analysis, process modeling (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB), and scale-up engineering principles

Demonstrated ability to lead and grow technical teams, with strong mentoring and collaboration skills

Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $150,000- $180,000 total cash compensation plus equity

Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee

Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 

Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 

Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.