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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 ...

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 Jul 12, 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
8.3. Senior Production Engineer -Burlington

8.3. Senior Production Engineer -Burlington

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 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 seeking an experienced Senior Production Engineer to join our team at our Burlington, MA pilot facility. In this highly impactful role, you’ll lead the charge in scaling next-generation clean metal refining processes from R&D to production. Working at the heart of our 24/7 operations, you’ll own critical equipment, guide early-stage process validation, and drive key improvements to make our pilot plant more robust, efficient, and scalable. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-moving, startup environment and is passionate about building the sustainable industrial base of the future.
 
This pay range reflects the expected compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
 
Salary Range: $120,000-$160,000
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the operation and optimization of pilot-scale production systems for rare earth and critical metal refining
  • Own critical equipment and systems, ensuring they are operating reliably, safely, and to target specifications
  • Analyze operational data to drive performance improvements in yield, throughput, efficiency, and uptime
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical or chemical process issues in real time
  • Collaborate with R&D and Process Engineering to validate and scale new metallurgical processes
  • Guide experimental production campaigns and translate findings into process improvements
  • Author and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and operating guidelines for pilot operations
  • Contribute to the design and build-out of new production infrastructure as processes mature
  • Uphold rigorous safety and environmental standards, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
  • 4–7+ years of experience in pilot plant, advanced manufacturing, or production-scale R&D
  • Demonstrated success operating and scaling complex chemical or mechanical systems in a hands-on role
  • Experience working in 24/7 or shift-based operations and leading initiatives in production environments
  • Proficiency in collecting and analyzing production and process data to drive results
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment, instrumentation, and controls
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
  • Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
  • Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families. 
  • Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world. 
  • Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations. 
  • Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
  • Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
  • Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 
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.