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Tailings Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Tailings

9.5. R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world. Key Responsibilities: * Design, execute, and ...

Phoenix Tailings

9.5. R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world. Key Responsibilities: * Design, execute, and ...

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Tailings Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do tailings process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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
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:
Tailings Process Engineer jobs near you
2.5. Chemical Engineer I - Hydrometallurgy

2.5. Chemical Engineer I - Hydrometallurgy

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

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, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without people who push the boundaries of what’s possible. You’ll be joining a team building the foundational infrastructure for a secure, domestic supply of critical metals. The work you do here will directly influence how rare earths and other strategic materials are produced for decades to come. 
 
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 Chemical Engineer I with a strong foundation in hydrometallurgy and wet chemistry who is excited to work hands-on in the laboratory and pilot environment to develop and scale next-generation critical metals processes. 
This role is focused on executing experiments, generating high-quality data, and supporting early scale-up rather than primarily modeling or simulation work. You will work closely with senior engineers and scientists to operate laboratory systems, refine process conditions, and translate experimental results into scalable process designs that enable Phoenix Tailings’ transition from R&D to commercial deployment. 
 
This pay range reflects the expected compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
 
Salary Range: $70,000-$100,000
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, execute, and analyze laboratory-scale experiments for hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, separation, and purification of critical and rare earth metals 
  • Perform wet chemistry work in a laboratory setting, including solution preparation, pH control, precipitation, filtration, and material handling 
  • Generate high-quality experimental data to support process development, optimization, and scale-up decisions 
  • Support equipment sizing and selection for reactors, thickeners, filtration systems, and mixer-settlers based on process requirements and experimental results 
  • Assist in translating laboratory and bench-scale results into pilot-scale process concepts and operating parameters 
  • Support development of process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, and operating assumptions informed by experimental data 
  • Collaborate with R&D and pilot teams to troubleshoot process challenges and refine operating conditions 
  • Maintain clear experimental records, technical documentation, and summaries for internal design reviews 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline 
  • 1–3 years of experience in laboratory-based process engineering, hydrometallurgy, or chemically intensive systems 
  • Hands-on wet chemistry experience in a laboratory setting, including lab safety practices, aqueous chemistry, acid–base chemistry, filtration, and precipitation 
  • Understanding of core hydrometallurgical unit operations including leaching, solid–liquid separation, solvent extraction, and precipitation 
  • Ability to execute experiments, interpret results, and apply findings to process development and early scale-up efforts 
  • Familiarity with laboratory and pilot-scale chemical equipment and operations 
  • Motivated by building real-world infrastructure that advances clean technology and strengthens domestic critical materials supply chains 
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: $70,000- $100,000 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.