Chemical Process Engineer I -Separation

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 Chemical Process Engineer I who is ready to kick-start their career by working on some of the most exciting challenges in rare earth separation and clean metals production. This is an ideal role for a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who is eager to apply their education, grow their skillset, and directly contribute to real-world solutions in a lab and pilot-scale environment.

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

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

Key Responsibilities

- Perform hands-on lab work to support solvent extraction experiments for rare earth element separation

- Prepare chemical solutions, reagents, and samples for testing and analysis

- Operate and maintain laboratory-scale process equipment (e.g., mixer-settlers, separators)

- Record detailed observations, maintain lab notebooks, and input experimental data for analysis

- Assist in process data analysis to identify trends and inform process decisions

- Follow lab safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safe experimentation

- Help scale experiments from lab to pilot by supporting equipment setup, testing, and documentation

- Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to execute technical project work

Qualifications

- B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field

- Academic or internship experience with chemical processes, especially wet chemistry or solvent extraction, is a plus

- Strong interest in hands-on lab work and process development

- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain documentation, and follow experimental procedures precisely

- Knowledge of basic lab safety practices and chemical handling

- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment where learning by doing is core to success

- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset

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: $70,000- $100,000 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.

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).

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.