Process Engineer
The Process Engineer at Confidential Client will support the startup and operation of a commercial-scale rare earth separation facility by analyzing process chemistry and operating data to optimize recovery, stability, and product quality. This role involves troubleshooting process and equipment issues, coordinating test work, and developing process documentation to ensure consistent plant performance. It offers an opportunity for early-career engineers with a strong technical foundation and interest in hands-on plant work to contribute to expanding domestic rare earth processing capacity.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, clean mining and metals production (rare earths processing and separation).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client is building commercial rare-earth separation capacity in Rochester, NY to support domestic supply chains for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace, and defense. We are inviting early-career and experienced process engineers who are interested in hands-on plant work and scaling a new separations facility to connect with us.
What You’ll Do
The Process Engineer will support preparation, commissioning, and startup activities for the separations circuit and help operators maintain safe, stable, and high-quality production. Responsibilities include:
- Analyze process chemistry, operating trends, and recovery results to identify performance gaps and recommend operating adjustments.
- Walk the circuit with operators to troubleshoot process and equipment issues and translate findings into clear, actionable field direction.
- Plan, execute, or coordinate test work (lab and pilot) to evaluate separation performance and validate process changes.
- Develop and maintain mass and energy balances, process flow diagrams, and operating procedures to support consistent plant performance.
- Support commissioning and startup by evaluating process results and providing technical guidance to control room and field operators.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate strong technical foundation and hands-on problem solving. Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of chemical separations, mass and energy balances, and process chemistry. Familiarity with solvent extraction, leaching, or precipitation is highly valued.
- Hands-on experience with process equipment, experiments, or technical troubleshooting through internships, co-ops, research, or industry roles.
- Ability to analyze operating and experimental data using Excel or similar tools, prepare clear process documentation, and communicate recommended changes to operators.
- Strong safety mindset and willingness to work in a plant environment.
Preferred (nice-to-have):
- Direct or adjacent experience with solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy, or mineral processing.
- Experience supporting commissioning, startup, or process scale-up.
Compensation & Benefits
This posting includes a pay range to comply with applicable pay-transparency guidance.
- Pay Range: $70,000 - $180,000 per year (total cash comp; includes salary + discretionary bonus). Actual pay will vary based on experience and qualifications.
- Healthcare: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
- Stock Options: Ownership opportunity in a fast-growing, venture-backed company.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO policy.
- Learning: Development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Location & Hiring Notes
- Location: Rochester, NY (onsite / facility-based role; will support commissioning/startup and plant operations).
- This posting is intended to connect candidates interested in future opportunities as the facility progresses toward operations (timeline may evolve).
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please let us know if you require assistance during the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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