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Tailings Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Tailings Engineer

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$56.75 - $73/hr

In 2020, Kinross acquired Manh Choh - a project expected to commence production in 2024 and process ... Job Summary Responsible for providing Tailings Engineering support to the department to ensure that ...

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 Tailings Engineer

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$56.75 - $73/hr

In 2020, Kinross acquired Manh Choh - a project expected to commence production in 2024 and process ... Job Summary Responsible for providing Tailings Engineering support to the department to ensure that ...

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Tailings Process Engineer information

See salary details

$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do tailings process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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.

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.

More about Tailings Process Engineer jobs
What states have the most Tailings Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tailings Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tailings Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tailings Process Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tailings Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
7.1. Senior Mechanical Engineer

7.1. Senior Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 28 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 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 looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who will take a leading role in designing, building, and proving the next generation of critical metals processing systems. This role will drive the full equipment lifecycle from concept and prototyping to deployment and continuous improvement, while working hands-on with technicians and engineers on the floor. The right candidate will bring deep mechanical expertise, leadership, and a builder's mindset to accelerate the development of the infrastructure required to produce critical metals sustainably at scale. 

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the mechanical engineering lifecycle for new processing equipment, from concept and design through build, testing, and operational deployment 
  • Establish and maintain mechanical engineering standards for Phoenix Tailings' processing systems and industrial equipment
  • Develop and execute strategic engineering plans to design, build, test, and validate new systems and mechanical infrastructure
  • Design and improve mechanical systems used in critical metals processing, focusing on reliability, maintainability, and scalability
  • Serve as the hands-on engineering lead during equipment builds, commissioning, and troubleshooting on the production floor
  • Translate operational challenges and team feedback into defined engineering programs and equipment improvements
  • Create and review mechanical designs, drawings, and documentation to support fabrication, installation, and operation
  • Guide and coach early-career engineers through practical engineering problem solving and system development 
 
Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience in industrial systems, manufacturing equipment, or process equipment development
  • Strong hands-on experience designing, building, and troubleshooting mechanical systems and machinery
  • Experience owning equipment through the full lifecycle including design, fabrication, testing, and operational validation
  • Proficiency with CAD tools and creating detailed engineering drawings for fabrication and assembly
  • Experience working directly with technicians, machinists, or fabrication teams to build and modify equipment
  • Ability to translate technical challenges into structured engineering solutions and development programs
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field 
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- $160,000 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. 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.
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