Berkner Group

Compensation

Full Description

VP of Engineering Location: Boulder, CO About the Company: Our client is a fast-growing startup pioneering breakthrough technology to revolutionize how critical minerals are sourced. Their technology platform reduces costs and environmental impact while ensuring a secure supply for industries like clean energy, electric vehicles, and national defense. What we’re looking for: We’re seeking a VP of Engineering to lead and expand this company’s engineering team as they revolutionize mineral separation through advanced biochemistry. This role encompasses leading the design, build, procurement, and operation of a pilot plant. Success in deployment at the pilot scale will result in analogous leadership opportunities to design, build, and operate subsequent commercial-scale assets. This position will work closely with the VP of Research and Development and the VP of Commercialization in a project management structure to deliver commercial success while creating a culture of excellence. As a pivotal member of the leadership team, you will drive the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to efficiently and responsibly separate critical minerals, starting with rare earth elements. We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in scaling engineering technologies from lab to pilot to commercial scale in high-growth environments, particularly in the mining, chemical processing, or biotechnology sectors. Your expertise will be instrumental in advancing the company’s mission to transform the mineral separation landscape with economically attractive and environmentally friendly solutions. This position reports to the President and Chief Science Officer and will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team. Occasional travel to pilot plant sites, research facilities, partner sites, or industry conferences is anticipated. What you’ll do: • Lead Engineering Efforts for Pilot and Commercial Deployment: Develop and execute the technical roadmap, aligning engineering objectives with company goals to drive commercial deployment in mineral separation processes. • Process Development and Deployment: Oversee the design, optimization, and scaling of holistic processes for critical minerals separation from various feedstocks such as e-waste, ores, and or in-process mining process streams. The company’s primary technology unit operation is an adsorption column using a novel, protein-based adsorbent. Upstream unit operations include leaching and solids removal. Downstream unit operations include dewatering and calcination to produce purified metal oxide. • Plant Design, Build, and Operation: Manage the planning, construction, and operation of a pilot plant to validate and refine technologies, transitioning from laboratory to commercial scale. • Safety, Quality & Compliance: Ensure all process engineering activities comply with industry safety standards, environmental regulations, and internal quality assurance protocols. Advocate for and implement best practices for safe operations, including hazard analysis and risk management. Lead efforts to achieve and maintain industry certifications and regulatory approvals required for large-scale production. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, product development, and business development teams to integrate engineering solutions that meet market needs and regulatory standards. • Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. • Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the engineering function in discussions with investors, partners, and regulatory bodies, effectively communicating technical advancements and strategic plans. • Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage the engineering budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet project milestones and company objectives. What will help you succeed: Must-haves: • Background: BS in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years and at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in a relevant industry scaling technologies from lab to pilot to commercial. • Industry Experience: Extensive experience in engineering leadership roles within the mining, chemical processing, or biotechnology industries, with a focus on process development and scale-up. Direct experience in evaluating, selecting, and managing EPC firms in commercial deployment at pilot and commercial scale. • Technical Expertise: Strong background in chemical engineering with a deep understanding of separation technologies and process optimization. Specific expertise in scaling column-based separation and moving bed or simulated moving bed chromatography is strongly preferred. Extensive expertise in process simulation, technoeconomic modeling, and project financial modeling. Familiarity with automation and control systems for large-scale chemical processes. Proven track record in driving cost reduction and efficiency improvements in process operations. Experience with continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing principles. • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. • Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated experience in developing and executing technical strategies that align with business objectives and drive growth. • Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex projects, including pilot plant design and operation, with a track record of delivering on performance, on time and within budget. • Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders. • Educational Background: BS Chemical Engineering with 15+ years of experience. Nice-to-haves: • Startup Experience: Prior experience in a startup environment, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness in a fast-paced setting. • Sustainability Focus: Passion for environmental sustainability and experience implementing eco-friendly engineering solutions. • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to mineral processing and biochemical manufacturing. Benefits: • Comprehensive Compensation: Competitive salary with equity options, reflecting the value you bring to this mission-driven company. • Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support your well-being. • Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including attending industry conferences, workshops, and access to relevant certifications. • Mission-Driven Culture: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming the mineral separation industry with sustainable and innovative solutions. Berkner Group has been retained to execute this search. If you were contacted by Berkner Group, please reply to the person who contacted you. If you are applying to a job posting, please email your resume and a brief introduction to careers@berknergroup.com. Please include your name and the title for this position ([Your name] - VP of Engineering - LR5XWW6X) in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you!