What you will do: The Staff Process Development Engineer will provide technical leadership for the development, design, and scale-up of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a range of scales, from bench-scale proof-of-concept through Electra's pilot and demonstration facilities. This role will serve as a senior technical resource within process engineering, driving complex development efforts, shaping technical approaches, and partnering across engineering teams to support sound technical decisions as Electra advances toward commercial-scale operations.
Responsibilities include:- Provide technical leadership for complex process development and scale-up projects from laboratory through pilot and demonstration scale
- Design and guide development of chemical process systems, including mass and energy balances, P&IDs, equipment specifications, fabrication, and commissioning
- Develop technical approaches for process development and scale-up using engineering principles, modeling, and experimental data
- Lead process safety activities, including HAZOPs, FMEAs, and other hazard reviews
- Partner across mechanical, electrical, controls, and other engineering disciplines to define requirements and support technical decisions
- Analyze complex experimental and process data and translate findings into recommendations that guide engineering and business decisions
- Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of equipment and process systems to improve safety, reliability, and performance
- Advance process development and engineering practices through documentation, practical standards, and knowledge sharing
- Serve as a trusted technical resource and mentor, providing guidance on complex process engineering challenges
- Maintain a safe working environment and lead safety assessments for new equipment, processes, and operations
- Read, understand, and comply with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned
What we need you to bring to the team: - Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mining/metallurgical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- 12+ years of relevant industry experience; OR 8+ years with a Master's degree; OR 5+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience (excludes internships, co-ops and other school projects)
- Deep experience in process design, including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, separations, and fluid flow
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership on complex process engineering projects and serve as a trusted subject-matter resource
- Proven ability to influence technical decisions and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and functions without relying on formal authority
- Demonstrated success implementing safety measures for gas- and liquid-processing systems and leading process safety reviews
- Expert proficiency with process simulation software and the ability to use models to inform experimental design, predict outcomes, and guide process development and scale-up
- Strong ability to analyze complex experimental data, recognize meaningful patterns, develop technical recommendations, and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical teams
- Solid experience in analytical chemistry and applying it to troubleshoot complex experimental issues, evaluate alternatives, and determine appropriate technical approaches
- Strong understanding of fluid power systems, including pumps, valves, and heat-exchange equipment, and how they integrate into larger mechanical and process systems
- Hands-on experience using power tools and basic fabrication methods to build or modify custom equipment supporting testing, development, and process improvement
- Experience coordinating with external vendors, providing technical guidance, tracking progress, and ensuring contracted work meets quality, schedule, and project objectives
- Demonstrated ability to improve engineering practices, share knowledge, and contribute to the technical development of others
- Proficient in, or able to quickly pick up, Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint to create clear documentation and support project needs
Compensation: - The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $135,000-$185,000 and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.
Benefits For You: - 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans
- $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account)
Benefits For Your Family: - 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave
Benefits For Your Future: - 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one
- Eligibility for incentive stock options
