5.1. Principal Chemical 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 Tailings, 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 seeking a visionary and experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of groundbreaking chemical processes for sustainable metal refining. This senior leadership role will be instrumental in driving innovation, ensuring scalability, and setting the technical direction for Phoenix Tailings’ chemical engineering initiatives. 
As a Principal Chemical Engineer, you will take ownership of high-impact projects, mentor engineering teams, and play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable metallurgy through advanced chemical engineering solutions. This role demands extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, particularly in high-temperature and electrochemical systems, and a passion for sustainability and innovation. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of cutting-edge chemical processes, including high-temperature and electrochemical systems, to achieve unprecedented efficiency and scalability. 
• Establish and drive the technical roadmap for chemical processes, aligning with Phoenix Tailings’ strategic goals for sustainability and operational excellence. 
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, ChemCAD) to optimize chemical processes, improving efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. 
• Identify opportunities for innovation, driving the development of novel solutions to enhance metal refining processes. 
• Lead efforts to transition chemical processes from laboratory-scale to industrial-scale operations, ensuring reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Oversee pilot-scale testing and validation, ensuring processes are production-ready and compliant with regulatory standards. 
• Work closely with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to integrate chemical processes into production systems seamlessly. 
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align technical initiatives with business objectives and provide insights into project feasibility and timelines. 
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. 
• Serve as a subject-matter expert, guiding critical decisions and representing chemical engineering in cross-departmental discussions. 
• Oversee complex projects, ensuring delivery within scope, budget, and timeline while maintaining the highest quality standards. 
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and reports. 
• Champion sustainability initiatives, integrating environmentally friendly practices into all process designs. 
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies throughout all stages of process development. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field; PhD preferred. 
• 10+ years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a proven track record of success in high-temperature or electrochemical processes. 
• Deep expertise in chemical process design, optimization, and scaling for industrial applications. 
• Proficiency in process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, ChemCAD) and advanced analytical techniques. 
• Extensive experience transitioning processes from R&D to industrial-scale production. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. 
• A deep passion for sustainability, clean energy technologies, and driving innovation in industrial processes. 
• A hands-on, problem-solving approach, with the ability to navigate challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.