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Tailings Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA

$101K - $139K/yr

Job Summary Under the direction of the Processing Manager, the Sr. Tailings Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant management of the site's Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and ...

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Job Summary Under the direction of the Processing Manager, the Sr. Tailings Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant management of the site's Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and ...

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Job Summary Under the direction of the Processing Manager, the Sr. Tailings Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant management of the site's Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and ...

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA

$101K - $139K/yr

Job Summary Under the direction of the Processing Manager, the Sr. Tailings Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant management of the site's Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Process Engineer will play a key role in developing, testing, and optimizing DISA's innovative HPSA technology for minerals processing, tailings remediation, and resource ...

New

ID

$115K - $125K/yr

Senior Tailings Engineer Reports To: Manager, Tailings Management Position Summary: The Senior ... engineering process * Quality control--maintain high standards of technical accuracy and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Process Engineer will play a key role in developing, testing, and optimizing DISA's innovative HPSA technology for minerals processing, tailings remediation, and resource ...

New

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Miami, AZ · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

The Senior Tailings Engineer works closely with the Superintendent, Tailings Governance ... Develop and oversee QA/QC processes to ensure deposition and construction activities align with ...

Lead Process Engineer

Elko, NV · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Process Engineer for our Elko, NV ... tailings disposal systems, underground or surface mine infrastructure, material handling and ...

Lead Process Engineer

Elko, NV · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Process Engineer for our Elko, NV ... tailings disposal systems, underground or surface mine infrastructure, material handling and ...

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... Perform in-process checks and adjustments to ensure consistent product quality * Collect, analyze ...

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... Perform in-process checks and adjustments to ensure consistent product quality * Collect, analyze ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tailings Process Engineer information

See salary details

$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do tailings process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for tailings process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tailings Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tailings Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mining, or metallurgical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tailings management systems, process simulation software, and regulatory compliance frameworks is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you address complex operational challenges and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of mining waste materials.

What does a Tailings Process Engineer do?

A Tailings Process Engineer is responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing the processes involved in handling and disposing of mining tailings, which are the materials left over after extracting valuable minerals. Their role includes ensuring the safe storage of tailings, minimizing environmental impact, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. They also develop and implement strategies to improve tailings management efficiency and sustainability, often working closely with environmental scientists and site managers.

What is the difference between Tailings Process Engineer vs Mining Process Engineer?

AspectTailings Process EngineerMining Process Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mining, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering; certifications in process safetyBachelor's in Mining, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering; certifications in process safety
Work EnvironmentDesigning and optimizing tailings storage and disposal facilities, often in remote mining sitesDeveloping and improving mineral processing methods at processing plants or sites
Employer & Industry UsageMining companies, environmental agencies, consulting firmsMining companies, mineral processing plants, consulting firms

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, focusing on process design and safety. The main difference lies in their focus: Tailings Process Engineers specialize in managing waste disposal and tailings facilities, while Mining Process Engineers concentrate on mineral extraction and processing techniques.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Tailings Process Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Tailings Process Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining the safety and stability of tailings storage facilities while optimizing water recovery and minimizing environmental impact. They must stay current with evolving regulations and best practices, as well as coordinate closely with geotechnical, environmental, and operations teams to ensure compliance and efficiency. Effective communication, rigorous monitoring, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key strategies for addressing these challenges and ensuring both operational success and environmental stewardship.
More about Tailings Process Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Tailings Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

2.1 Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgist

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA

$120K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

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 required to power the technology of today and tomorrow. 

Why Phoenix Tailings 

At Phoenix, we’re building more than technology—we’re building the future supply chain for critical and rare earth metals. This work matters. It demands urgency, rigor, and creativity. You’ll join a team that values ownership, technical excellence, and the courage to challenge legacy approaches to mining and metals production. 

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 looking for a Senior Process Engineer- Hydrometallurgist to lead hands-on process development, optimization, and scale-up of hydrometallurgical systems for critical and rare earth metals production. This role is ideal for someone with deep technical experience in wet chemistry, aqueous processing, leaching, precipitation, separation, purification, and pilot-scale development who wants to build real-world industrial processes, not just model them. 

This position will play a key role in translating laboratory results into scalable process designs that support Phoenix Tailings’ transition from R&D to commercial deployment. You will work closely with R&D, engineering, and pilot operations teams to design experiments, troubleshoot complex process challenges, develop operating parameters, and guide junior engineers and scientists. 

 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, execution, and analysis of hydrometallurgical experiments involving leaching, purification, precipitation, precipitation, solid-liquid separation, solvent extraction, and related critical metals processes 
  • Develop and optimize process conditions for laboratory, bench-scale, and pilot-scale hydrometallurgical systems 
  • Translate experimental results into process flow diagrams, mass balances, operating windows, equipment specifications, and scale-up recommendations  
  • Provide technical leadership for wet chemistry work, including solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, pH control, filtration, precipitation, reagent selection, and process troubleshooting 
  • Support equipment sizing and selection for reactors, filtration systems, thickeners, mixer-settlers, tanks, pumps, and other hydrometallurgical process equipment 
  • Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting for process performance issues, including recovery losses, impurity behavior, phase separation challenges, and process instability  
  • Collaborate with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to develop pilot-scale test plans, operating procedures, and process control strategies  
  • Mentor junior engineers, scientists, and technicians in experimental design, lab execution, safety practices, data interpretation, and technical documentation  
  • Maintain clear technical records and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal design reviews and leadership discussions  
  • Support the scale-up of Phoenix Tailings’ critical metals production processes from R&D through commercial deployment  
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline  
  • 5+ years of experience in hydrometallurgy, wet chemistry, chemical process development, mineral processing, metals refining, or related chemically intensive systems  
  • Strong hands-on experience with hydrometallurgical unit operations, including leaching, precipitation, filtration, solid-liquid separation, solvent extraction, purification, and crystallization  
  • Demonstrated experience translating laboratory or bench-scale data into pilot-scale or commercial process development decisions  
  • Strong understanding of aqueous chemistry, solution speciation, acid-base chemistry, impurity control, reagent behavior, and process optimization  
  • Experience developing mass balances, process flow diagrams, experimental plans, technical reports, and operating procedures  
  • Experience mentoring junior technical team members or leading technical workstreams in a laboratory, pilot, or industrial environment  
 
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $120,000- $190,000 total cash compensation plus equity

  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
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). 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.