Process Engineer

About AltaAlta 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.Berkner Group has been retained to execute this search. If Berkner Group contacted you directly, please respond to the recruiter who reached out to you. If you are applying through this job posting and your background is a strong match, a member of the Berkner Group team may contact you to discuss the opportunity.Role SummaryAlta is seeking a talented Process Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Operations team. This role will lead the operation, maintenance and improvement of our Demonstration Facility, contribute to technology improvement and support design work for the semiworks facilities. This role will be a key contributor to our innovation pipeline.A successful candidate should have Operational experience in the Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Oil & Gas, and/or Mining Process Industries. There should be a strong desire to collaborate across disciplines including chemistry, biology, and engineering. The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder Facility.Key ResponsibilitiesPlant Systems Development:Develop and implement Process Safety, Environmental and relevant SHE proceduresDevelop and implement Operations, Maintenance and Reliability systems/strategiesCreate a body of knowledge for the Operation of Alta’s mineral separation process that will inform the design and operation of commercial scale facilitiesLead the development of the plant training planPlant Operation:Lead the Operations and Maintenance activities of the plantLead and support all Process Safety related activities (including managing of the deviation process, MOC, Risk Assessments, PHAs, etc)Monitor performance of process equipmentProvide technical support to the Operations team for day-to-day and long-term troubleshootingIdentify and implement process and equipment improvement opportunitiesProduce necessary reports for safety management, production, and technology improvementsLiaison with supply chain and facilities department to maintain raw materials and spare partsLiaison with supply chain to ship productsSupport hiring activities for the plantTechnology Improvement:Contribute to technology improvement and optimization studies/projectsWork with the R&D team to create Design of Experiments to be executed at various scalesInterface with licensors and vendors to improve design of key equipmentSupport design work for the semiworks facilitiesOther Responsibilities:Support development of Engineering StandardsParticipation in conferences and eventsBecome the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Alta’s rare earth element process technologyRequired QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical EngineeringAt least 2 years of experience in a similar position in a Chemical/Petrochemical, MiningProcessing plants and/or Demo/Pilot scale facilitiesSound working knowledge of hydraulics, mass transfer, heat transfer and reaction engineeringProcess Safety Management knowledgeAbility to create and implement systemsAbility to lead OperatorsMechanically inclined and can troubleshoot and fix equipmentPreferred QualificationsOperational experience with unit operations such as adsorption, column separation, chromatography, solid/liquid separation, solids handling, rotary kilns/calciners and other hydrometallurgy-related unit operations would be an assetPLC/DCS programming and troubleshooting knowledge would be an assetHands-on experience working on scaling-up technology from pilot to commercial scalePlease note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.What We OfferThe 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 & BenefitsThe starting pay range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 and is commensurate with educational background and work experience. Benefits include:401(K)Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)Flexible Time OffPaid Parental LeavePaid Sick LeaveCompany HolidaysEOEAlta 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.