Entry Level Minerals Processing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title:                     Assistant Professor or Associate Professor
Department        Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
Job Type:            Faculty Full-Time, Tenure-Track
Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Applications received by April 13, 2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration.  Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (M&ME) Department at Montana Technological University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position (Assistant or Associate, depending on qualifications) in mineral processing and/or extractive metallurgy.
Montana Tech hosts one of the nation’s few truly integrated Mine-to-Materials engineering programs, combining mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and materials science to address the critical materials value chain—from resource characterization and beneficiation to metal production and advanced materials development. The department maintains strong partnerships with industry, national laboratories, and federal agencies focused on strengthening domestic critical materials supply chains and advancing metallurgical processing technologies.
The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in core mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and metallurgical process engineering courses, while establishing a vibrant externally funded research program focused on critical minerals, metallurgical processing technologies, and strategic materials production. Located in the historic mining center of Butte, Montana, Montana Tech offers a highly collaborative research environment with strong connections to industry and government partners working to secure the nation’s critical materials future
DUTIES:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and metallurgical process engineering in the M&ME Department as well as occasional service courses for the Lance College of Mines and Engineering (LCME) and/or College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS)
• 2Teach core and elective courses in the Materials Science Ph.D. program (in partial fulfillment of Duty 1, above);
• Establish and conduct a program of original, externally funded research
• Perform service activities for the department, LCME, MTU, and the profession
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students
• Adhere to the faculty policies and guidelines in the MTU Faculty and Staff Handbook and M&ME Department Standards

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must demonstrate education and experience directly aligned with the department’s integrated Mine-to-Materials focus spanning mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and materials science. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
 

• An earned Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing engineering, materials science, materials science and engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with demonstrated expertise in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, or materials processing, completed by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated research expertise in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy (hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or electrometallurgy), critical materials recovery, or related metallurgical process technologies, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, doctoral research, or equivalent scholarly contributions.
• Demonstrated ability or clear potential to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, materials processing, or related areas within metallurgical and materials engineering.
• Evidence of ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program that emphasizes critical materials, mineral beneficiation, extractive metallurgy, or strategic materials production.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and formal technical instruction.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate in multidisciplinary research environments.
• Applicants whose research and teaching interests do not involve mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, or metallurgical/materials production within the critical materials value chain will not be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited program in metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, mineral processing engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• University-level teaching experience in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, materials processing, or related metallurgical engineering subjects.
• Research experience in critical materials recovery, mineral beneficiation, metallurgical processing, or materials production relevant to energy systems, advanced manufacturing, or strategic materials supply chains.
• Experience with industrial or pilot-scale mineral processing or metallurgical unit operations, such as comminution, flotation, gravity separation, leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, electrowinning, or metallurgical process development.
• Demonstrated success obtaining externally funded research support from federal agencies, industry partners, or national laboratories.
• Experience supervising graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or research staff.
• Professional engineering licensure (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure.
• Experience collaborating with industry, national laboratories, or government agencies on applied research in mineral resources, metallurgical processing, or materials production.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The ability to deliver nine 50-minute lectures per week over the course of each fifteen-week semester
• The ability to continuously instruct and oversee multiple laboratories of 1- to 3-hours duration on a weekly basis throughout each fifteen-week semester
• The ability to use hand tools, operate laboratory equipment and electronic instrumentation, and perform light to moderate lifting (15 kg)

For full consideration application materials must be complete.  
Please include: 

• Cover letter addressing qualifications,
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references. 

Application Requirements

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.

• Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.

Veterans Employment Preference

To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)

Request an Accommodation

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email cisakson@mtech.edu

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

Benefits Package

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
• 11 Holidays per year
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

*Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

About Montana Tech

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.

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