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PHNX Materials is a critical-minerals refinery backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of War, converting industrial waste (coal ash, zinc slag) into three product streams: critical metals for semiconductors and defense, cement replacement for construction, and fertilizer for agriculture. The company addresses China's control of 98% of global gallium, 92% of germanium, and 93% of silicon—vulnerabilities weaponized in 2024.
As Process Engineer, you will lead the design and deployment of fluid and gas-phase systems during the company's scale-up phase, working cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and external engineering partners. You will own process design and engineering for ash processing and chemical recovery systems involving sulfuric acid and other corrosive compounds. Key responsibilities include developing process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and mass/energy balances for pilot and full-scale systems; designing unit operations such as scrubbers, absorbers, degassers, pressure vessels, and neutralizers; translating lab-scale R&D results into scalable, field-ready solutions; modeling fluid and gas behavior across complex chemical systems; supporting material selection and corrosion mitigation; interfacing with EPC contractors and vendors; and ensuring safety, emissions control, and regulatory compliance.
This is a hands-on technical role shaping novel chemical systems at scale in a mission-driven startup environment focused on reshoring critical supply chains and supporting coal communities.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of chemical process engineering experience with direct exposure to sulfuric acid or similar chemical facilities
- Ideally, experience setting up and operating manufacturing facilities
- Strong command of fluid dynamics, gas-phase transport, and reactive chemical systems
- Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and hands-on process design experience
- Experience collaborating across R&D and engineering functions to bring new technologies to life
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline
- Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and engineering rigor
- U.S. national (funding requirement)
