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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. 


We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
  • Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 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: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 


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). 

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Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$150000K

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What You Should Know About 6.1. Principal Chemical Engineer, Phoenix Tailings

Join Phoenix Tailings as a Principal Chemical Engineer and be at the forefront of revolutionizing sustainable metallurgy! Based in Burlington, MA, this isn't just another engineering role; it's an opportunity to lead innovative projects that will directly impact how we refine metals sustainably. As a rapidly-growing startup, our mission is to become the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, and we need your expertise to make it happen. In this senior leadership position, you'll design and optimize groundbreaking chemical processes, focusing on high-temperature and electrochemical systems while championing sustainability at every turn. You’ll mentor a skilled engineering team, tackle high-stakes projects, and help bridge the gap between lab-scale innovations and industrial application. Collaborating closely with R&D and operations, you will drive the technical roadmap of our initiatives, ensuring they align with our strategic goals. With your extensive experience and hands-on approach, you’ll navigate challenges and lead efforts to develop novel solutions, ensuring Phoenix Tailings sets the standard for environmental responsibility. We believe that nothing great is achieved alone, which is why we're looking for someone who shares our vision, passion for innovation, and commitment to sustainability to help shape the future of clean mining. If this sounds like your kind of challenge, join us at Phoenix Tailings! We can't wait to see all the amazing things we can accomplish together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for 6.1. Principal Chemical Engineer Role at Phoenix Tailings
What responsibilities does a Principal Chemical Engineer at Phoenix Tailings have?

The Principal Chemical Engineer at Phoenix Tailings is responsible for leading the design and development of innovative chemical processes, particularly focusing on high-temperature and electrochemical systems. This involves establishing the technical roadmap, utilizing advanced modeling tools, overseeing pilot-scale testing, and integrating processes into production systems. They will also mentor engineering teams and collaborate with senior leadership to align technical initiatives with business objectives.

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What qualifications are required for the Principal Chemical Engineer position at Phoenix Tailings?

Candidates for the Principal Chemical Engineer role at Phoenix Tailings should possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field, ideally with a PhD. Additionally, at least 10 years of experience in chemical process engineering—especially in high-temperature and electrochemical processes—is essential, along with a successful track record of transitioning processes from R&D to industrial-scale operations.

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How does Phoenix Tailings prioritize sustainability in the role of Principal Chemical Engineer?

Sustainability is at the core of the Principal Chemical Engineer’s responsibilities at Phoenix Tailings. This role requires championing sustainability initiatives by integrating environmentally friendly practices into chemical process designs. The engineer must also stay compliant with industry regulations and safety standards, ensuring that all stages of process development reflect a commitment to sustainable mining.

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What is the culture like at Phoenix Tailings for a Principal Chemical Engineer?

Phoenix Tailings fosters a flexible, results-focused culture aimed at innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Chemical Engineer, you will work alongside passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference in sustainable mining. The company values learning and provides opportunities for professional development, creating an environment where creative solutions and teamwork thrive.

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What benefits does Phoenix Tailings offer its Principal Chemical Engineers?

Phoenix Tailings offers a competitive compensation package for its Principal Chemical Engineer role, including 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Additional benefits include stock options, parental leave, a flexible vacation policy, and regular team events to foster community and collaboration within the company.

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Common Interview Questions for 6.1. Principal Chemical Engineer
Can you describe your experience with high-temperature and electrochemical processes?

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you have utilized high-temperature or electrochemical processes. Discuss the challenges faced and how your interventions improved efficiency or safety in the processes. This showcases your practical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

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How do you approach optimization in chemical process design?

To answer this, explain your methodology for process optimization, such as using simulation tools like Aspen or ChemCAD. Illustrate with examples where optimization led to significant improvements in efficiency or sustainability, demonstrating your analytical skills and hands-on experience.

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What strategies do you use to mentor and foster collaboration within engineering teams?

Discuss your mentoring style and specific strategies you employ to encourage teamwork, such as regular knowledge-sharing sessions, setting collaborative goals, and creating an inclusive atmosphere where every team member feels valued. Highlight a successful example where your mentorship improved team dynamics or project outcomes.

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How do you ensure compliance with industry regulations in your projects?

Describe your approach to staying updated with industry regulations and how you implement compliance in project planning and execution. Mention any tools or methodologies you use, like risk assessments or safety protocols, to ensure processes meet safety and environmental standards.

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What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of transitioning processes from R&D to industrial scale?

Address this by discussing common challenges, such as scaling issues or maintaining quality and efficiency. Give examples of past experiences where you successfully managed these transitions, demonstrating your foresight and strategic problem-solving skills.

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Can you explain your experience with project management within chemical engineering?

When discussing your project management experience, detail specific projects you led, including your role, the methodologies you used (like Agile or Waterfall), and how you ensured delivery within budget and timeline constraints. Highlight your organizational skills and ability to lead cross-departmental teams.

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What innovations have you contributed to in the field of chemical engineering?

Be prepared to share concrete examples of innovations you've introduced in previous roles. This could involve new methods, processes, or equipment that improved efficiency, reduced costs, or enhanced sustainability. Emphasize the impact your innovations had on the project and the team.

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How do you approach sustainability in your engineering designs?

Discuss your philosophy on sustainability and its importance in chemical engineering. Provide specific examples of designs where you prioritized sustainable practices, and explain how you measure the impact of these decisions on both the environment and the project outcomes.

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What tools and software do you rely on for process modeling and simulation?

Name specific tools you are proficient in, such as Aspen or ChemCAD, and explain how you use them in your work. Discuss your familiarity with modeling processes, running simulations, and interpreting the results to drive optimization and inform decision-making.

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Why are you interested in working for Phoenix Tailings as a Principal Chemical Engineer?

This question aims to see your motivations and alignment with Phoenix Tailings' mission. Discuss your passion for sustainability, innovation, and how you see your expertise contributing to the company’s goals. Show enthusiasm for their vision of becoming the leader in clean mining and metals production.

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At Phoenix, we build novel chemical processing techniques and technologies that are at the forefront of extracting critical materials that were previously trapped in tailings, solving the waste remediation process of the mining industry, and revol...

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DATE POSTED
January 27, 2025

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