Director/Manager Process Development

Director / Manager of Process Development
 Austin, TX | On-site |  Full-Time

A leading innovator in the resource recovery space is seeking a dynamic, hands-on Director or Manager of Process Development to join its cutting-edge Mineral Extraction and Research Facility based in Austin, Texas.

This role is ideal for seasoned professionals across the extractive metallurgy spectrum—whether your background is in hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or physical separation. If you’re passionate about transforming challenging feedstocks into valuable resources, we encourage you to apply.

About the Role

This is a technically focused position that centers on process design, lab-to-pilot scale experimentation, and collaborative innovation. You'll lead the development and optimization of novel mineral processing approaches, with a focus on recovering value from tailings, industrial byproducts, and low-grade ores.

Working directly with the VP of Technology, you'll be a key driver of applied R&D with meaningful environmental and economic impact.

What You'll Do

Lead Process Development

• Design and execute bench- and pilot-scale programs using hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and physical separation methods.

• Continuously optimize process flows for performance, yield, and cost-efficiency.

Apply Deep Technical Expertise

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in material prep and metallurgical systems.

• Evaluate new technologies for practical application and scalability.

Collaborate Across Teams & Partners

• Work cross-functionally with internal labs and plant engineering teams.

• Engage with universities, labs, vendors, and R&D collaborators to accelerate progress.

Drive Sustainability & Innovation

• Contribute to circular economy strategies by unlocking value from unconventional sources.

• Support life cycle assessments and techno-economic studies of new processes.

What You Bring

Must-Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical, Metallurgical, or Mineral Processing Engineering.

• 8+ years of experience in process development in mining, metallurgy, or industrial waste sectors.

• Hands-on expertise in designing and troubleshooting metallurgical processes.

• Proficiency with process modeling tools such as METSIM, HSC Chemistry, or similar.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with tailings, slags, red mud, or fly ash.

• Familiarity with pilot or demonstration-scale operations.

• Exposure to cost estimation, EPC collaboration, or feasibility analysis.

• Knowledge of sustainability metrics and environmental regulations.

Why This Role?

You’ll be joining a mission-driven team focused on real-world innovation, turning underutilized materials into high-value outputs while contributing to cleaner, more sustainable industrial systems. The environment is hands-on, fast-moving, and deeply collaborative.

Ready to lead impactful R&D in extractive metallurgy? Apply today.
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and all areas of mineral and metallurgical processing.