Geophysics Phd Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Mining Technologies and Mineral Processing Technologies

Nexight Group is seeking individuals with experience working in the mining and mineral commodity production industry. Ideal candidates will have experience managing applied research projects and the development and/or piloting of novel mining, extraction, beneficiation, and mineral processing technologies. Candidates should have an engineering degree and 12 or more years of work experience. 10 years of experience is acceptable if the candidate has a master's degree and 6 years of experience is acceptable if the candidate has a PhD. Work experience should align with the job duties and responsibilities described. Candidates shall have demonstrated experience working in one or more of the following: mining, mineral processing, extractive metallurgy.

Nexight Group is a small technical and management consulting firm that serves a variety of clients, including the Department of Energy. Adaptability, critical thinking, genuine curiosity, and collaboration are all equally important skills to technical experience.

Please note, any job offer is contingent on contract award, anticipated before July 2026.

These senior technical consultants will provide technical, strategic, and communications support across multiple DOE critical minerals and materials initiatives. They will work with government clients, industry peers, and principal investigators.

Applicants should have the necessary skills to perform the following job functions:

• Support review of high-impact funding applications to ensure projects align with DOE critical minerals and materials technology priorities.

• Advise on the selection of performance metrics and milestones for mining and mineral processing technology projects.

• Support performance evaluation and management of a diverse and evolving portfolio of technology innovation projects.

• Support selection of technical focus areas for mining and mineral processing RD&D funding opportunities.

• Analyze and synthesize research data and expert viewpoints. Author white papers, reports, presentations, and other technical communication products.

• Develop various communication materials to support senior level updates and succinct messaging for non-experts.

• Support and facilitate collaborative projects and consensus decision-making within government programs, working groups, and other partnerships. This may include leading collaboration with experts at DOE, the National Laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions.

Nexight's offices are in Silver Spring, MD. The position is open to in-person, remote, or hybrid candidates. Candidates must be willing to travel, including to Golden, CO and the Washington, D.C. area to support DOE clients. Candidates must be available to work during client business hours, which are typically in the eastern time zone.

This is a primarily sedentary position in an environmentally controlled office setting, although moving between work areas may be required. Manipulating a computer keyboard or mouse and operating standard office equipment is typically required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in mining, mechanical, geological, geophysical, metallurgical, chemical or materials engineering (or similar engineering degree)

• 12 years of work experience in mining, mineral processing and/or extractive metallurgy operations, or an adjacent field.

• • 10 years of work experience is acceptable if the candidate has a master's degree and 6 years of experience is acceptable if the candidate has a PhD. Internships can be included in cumulative experience.

• Experience with technology RD&D projects in one or more of these subject areas:

• • Resource exploration and characterization

• • Autonomous mining and extraction

• • Mine waste management processes

• • Advanced extraction processes

• • Recovery of critical minerals and materials (particularly rare earth elements) from diverse feedstocks

• • Coproduction/by-production and valorization processes

• Writing and communication skills that reflect proven critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis capabilities.

• Ability to work with minimal oversight in both independent and team-based environments, and a "roll up your sleeves" spirit that likes to learn by doing.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Master's or PhD degree in mining, mechanical, geological, geophysical, metallurgical, chemical or materials engineering (or similar engineering degree)

• Greater than 16 years of professional experience in mining, mineral processing and/or extractive metallurgy operations or an adjacent field.

• • 14 years of experience is acceptable if the candidate has a master's degree and 10 years of experience is acceptable if the candidate has a PhD.

• Familiarity with federally funded RD&D programs.

• A proven track record of managing applied research projects and the development and/or piloting of novel mining and mineral processing technologies.

• Experience working with DOE program offices at the intersection of government, industry, National Labs, and academia.

• Knowledge of the Department of Energy's critical minerals programs and pressing technology challenges in domestic critical mineral and materials supply chains.

This position is not eligible for work sponsorship and requires public trust clearance.

The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate for the starting range is $125,000 to $175,000.

All full-time employees of Nexight Group receive a competitive salary and attractive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, company contributions to employee health savings accounts (HSAs), company 401(k) contributions, profit sharing, and an annual bonus program.

Nexight Group LLC provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This involves all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.

If you require reasonable accommodates to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact: careers@nexightgroup.com.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. PRINCIPALS ONLY. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Priority referrals of protected veterans desired. Equal Opportunity Employer.