Key Responsibilities

• Lead the translation of pilot/lab-scale processes into commercially viable manufacturing operations, including mass and energy balance modeling
• Develop and optimize process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications for scaled systems
• Identify and resolve scale-up challenges related to heat transfer, mass transfer, mixing, and reaction kinetics
• Own the technical basis for process design packages and engineering deliverables
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and engineering contractors to evaluate and specify commercial-scale equipment
• Conduct hazard reviews (HAZOP, FMEA) and ensure designs meet safety and regulatory requirements
• Establish process control strategies, operating windows, and critical process parameters (CPPs)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve yield, throughput, and cost of goods
• Partner with R&D, operations, supply chain, and quality to align process design with product requirements and business goals
• Support capital project execution (from FEED through commissioning and startup)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience in pilot or production operations for hydrometallurgical, chemical, or materials processes.
• Strong practical understanding of unit operations, process control, and data-driven optimization.
• Proven track record of scaling up laboratory processes to pilot or commercial level.
• Excellent leadership, troubleshooting, and cross-disciplinary communication skills.

Preferred:

• M.S. degree or Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification.
• Experience in rare-earth, lithium, or critical-metal refining.
• Familiarity with chromatography-based or solvent-free separation technologies.
• Working knowledge of mass balance modeling, Aspen Plus, or similar process simulation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commissioning and performance testing campaigns.
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Work Environment

• Primarily based in a pilot-scale process facility, involving operation of chemical process equipment.
• Requires frequent collaboration with R&D, analytical, and production staff.
• Involves handling of acids, bases, and metal-bearing solutions; PPE and EHS compliance are mandatory.
• Occasional travel to partner sites or commercial facilities for process trials and technology transfer.
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Benefits

• Salary range: Negotiable
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Professional development and leadership advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to contribute to the commercialization of sustainable, solvent-free refining technologies for the critical-materials industry