Metallurgist

Position Overview
Client is establishing a first‑of‑its‑kind rare‑earth element (REE) processing, separation, and oxide production facility. We are seeking a highly skilled Metallurgist to support the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of metallurgical processes within a highly technical, industrial, and compliance‑driven facility.
The Metallurgist will work closely with process engineers, operations, R&D, and quality teams to ensure that metallurgical performance, product quality, and throughput targets are achieved. This role is foundational in supporting rare‑earth separation technologies, hydrometallurgical processes, and new product development as the facility scales from commissioning to commercial production.

Key Responsibilities
Metallurgical Process Development & Optimization

• Support process engineering teams in developing, refining, and controlling rare‑earth metallurgical processes, including leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, separation, and oxide production.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot‑scale trials, and laboratory analyses to validate process parameters and quality targets.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical balances, process flow diagrams, and operational standards.

Production & Quality Support

• Monitor daily metallurgical performance to ensure stable, efficient, and high‑purity production of rare‑earth oxides.
• Investigate process deviations, product inconsistencies, and metallurgical losses; develop corrective actions.
• Assist in maintaining quality specifications, documentation, and statistical process control measures.

Technical Documentation & Reporting

• Author metallurgical test reports, technical summaries, and data‑driven recommendations for process improvements.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records required for internal reporting and government‑funded project documentation.
• Collaborate with QA/QC to analyze product quality trends and ensure consistency with customer requirements.

Cross‑Functional Support

• Work closely with R&D teams on new product formulations, new feedstock evaluations, and scaling test results from lab to plant.
• Partner with maintenance and operations to troubleshoot equipment performance impacting metallurgical output.
• Provide metallurgical input into capital projects, equipment selection, and process design enhancements.

Safety, Compliance & Government‑Funded Project Requirements

• Ensure all metallurgical activities comply with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, project‑specific rules).
• Support data collection, reporting, and audit readiness associated with government‑supported programs.
• Participate in hazard assessments, process hazard analyses (PHAs), and other EHS‑related initiatives.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in metallurgical or chemical processing, preferably in hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, or specialty chemicals.
• Strong understanding of metallurgical testing, laboratory methods, and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience developing or supporting metallurgical flowsheets, process optimization, and plant troubleshooting.
• Ability to interpret metallurgical data, perform mass/energy balances, and analyze technical results.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

Preferred

• Experience with rare‑earth processing, solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange, or hydrometallurgical refining.
• Experience in a commissioning/startup environment and scaling processes from lab to plant.
• Familiarity with government‑funded project documentation, reporting, or compliance structures.
• Proficiency with metallurgical modeling tools, statistical analysis, and laboratory instrumentation (e.g., XRF, ICP‑OES).
• Advanced degree in Metallurgy or related field.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Technical curiosity and continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communication and cross‑functional collaboration
• Detail‑oriented approach to quality and data integrity
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, evolving industrial environment

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.