Hydrometallurgy Engineer
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Hydrometallurgy Engineer to play a pivotal role in the advancement of our clay minerals pilot processing plant at Ionic Mineral Technologies in Provo, UT. This position requires a deep understanding of mineral extraction principles, particularly through hydrometallurgical routes, and extensive hands-on experience in relevant industrial or research settings. The successful candidate will drive the development, optimization, and scaling of innovative processes for the extraction and purification of valuable minerals.
Responsibilities:
As a Hydrometallurgy Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical leadership and execution of hydrometallurgical processes within our pilot plant. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead hands-on design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical flowsheets for the extraction of target minerals from geological feedstocks. This includes unit operations such as leaching, solid-liquid separation, purification (e.g., solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation), and metal recovery.
- Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale test work programs to validate process concepts, generate engineering data, and assess technical and economic feasibility.
- Analyze and interpret complex metallurgical data to understand process kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass/energy balances. Utilize process simulation to model and optimize process designs.
- Support the successful scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and eventually commercial production, ensuring robust and scalable designs.
- Identify and resolve operational challenges, optimize process performance, improve metal recovery rates, and reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and documentation, including design criteria, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D scientists, lab technicians, and process operators. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff.
- Ensure all process designs and operations adhere to the highest safety standards and environmental regulations, seeking to minimize environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes in hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, and rare earth extraction.
- Experience with rare earth element (REE) extraction and rare earth extraction.
- Experience with rare earth element (REE) extraction and separation processes, including relevant purification technologies, will be a significant asset.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related field.
- Extensive direct, hands-on work experience (typically 5+ years) in hydrometallurgical process engineering within the mining or minerals extraction industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in the principles and practical application of hydrometallurgical techniques, including:
- Leaching (acid, alkali, oxidative, pressure).
- Solid-liquid separation (filtration, thickening, counter-current decantation).
- Purification processes (solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, electrowinning).
- Process control and optimization.
- Strong understanding of mineralogy, geology, and their impact on mineral processing and hydrometallurgical operations.
- Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Aspen Plus, SysCAD, HSC Chemistry).
- Experience in designing and executing metallurgical test work programs (bench-scale, pilot-scale).
- Proven ability to analyze complex data, draw sound conclusions, and make data-driven recommendations.
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
- Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable practices.
- Direct experience with rare earth element (REE) extraction and separation is highly desirable.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and adapt to changing
- priorities.
- Experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methods is a plus.
- Willing to relocate to Utah.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive compensation package.
- Full company benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Additional benefits such as retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
*Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time
This job posting is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer of employment.