Hydrometallurgy Process Development Engineer

About Alta Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO. The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend. Role Summary Alta is seeking a Hydrometallurgy Process Development Engineer to own and advance hydrometallurgical process development across laboratory, pilot, and commercial scales. The ideal candidate will design, optimize, and scale hydrometallurgical unit operations including leaching, precipitation, impurity removal, and calcination for rare earth elements from ores and concentrates. They will work cross-functionally with R&D and Engineering/Operations teams to improve yield, purity, robustness, and economics of Alta’s end-to-end flowsheets. A successful candidate will Develop and optimize hydrometallurgical flowsheets for commercial-scale systems Lead and support the development and commercialization of hydrometallurgical unit operations that are quantitatively understood, scalable, and integrated with Alta’s separation platform Drive process development efforts to improve recovery, purity, and robustness through data and experimentation Provide mass balance models and quantitative insights to guide technical and business decisions Work with external subject matter experts to augment internal capabilities and accelerate timelines Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Process Design Provide hydrometallurgical subject matter expertise across the organization Lead the design and optimization of hydrometallurgical flowsheets for REE-bearing ores, concentrates, and intermediate streams Own unit operations including leaching, selective precipitation, impurity removal, and calcination Translate bench‑scale chemistry into pilot and commercial‑scale process designs, including operating envelopes, equipment sizing, and integration with upstream and downstream systems Identify technical risks related to scale‑up, impurity control, reagent consumption, and solids handling, and develop mitigation strategies Operate effectively across lab, pilot, demo, and commercial environments, acting as a player‑coach Quantitative Analysis & Modeling Develop and maintain mass balance models across hydrometallurgical processes Track yield, recovery, purity, and losses at each unit operation Use data to drive design decisions, trade studies, and process optimization Support techno‑economic analysis (TEA) including reagent costs, throughput, and waste streams Experimental Design & Data Integration Design statistically sound experiments to improve yield and product purity Partner with Process Engineering and Analytical Chemistry teams to define sampling plans, analytical methods, and data quality requirements Interpret analytical data (ICP‑OES/MS, solids characterization, particle size distribution, etc.) to inform process improvements Ensure experimental work is scalable, reproducible, and well‑documented Scale‑Up & Deployment Support pilot system design, commissioning, and operation, including troubleshooting Define operating procedures, control strategies, and performance metrics Translate pilot learnings into robust commercial process designs Work with external partners, vendors, and test facilities Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering teams to align hydrometallurgical operations with system performance goals Provide technical mentorship and review for junior engineers and scientists Clearly communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders Required Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field ~5+ years of relevant experience in engineering, technology, or operating environments (lower experience considered for PhD holders) Hands‑on experience in hydrometallurgy, including leaching, precipitation, and calcination Proven ability to design and scale chemical processes from lab to pilot and toward commercial systems Strong quantitative skills, including mass balances, data analysis, and experimental design Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, R&D‑driven environment U.S. citizenship is required. What We Offer The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials. A mission‑driven, high‑trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability. High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership. Compensation & Benefits The starting pay range for this position is $145,000 - $200,000, commensurate with educational background and work experience. Benefits include: 401(K) Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent) Flexible Time Off Paid Parental Leave Paid Sick Leave Company Holidays EOE Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e‑Verify for all positions. If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know. For information about Alta's privacy practices, see our Privacy Policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr