Senior Process Chemist / Hydrometallurgist (Pilot to Demonstration)

The company Syntra Refining Corp is a critical-minerals refining company based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. We convert waste streams, recycled materials and mineral intermediates into high-purity critical mineral products through a continuous, closed-loop hydrometallurgical circuit that operates without smelting or organic solvent extraction, at zero liquid discharge. We operate a pilot refining circuit and analytical laboratory in Dartmouth, and we are installing and commissioning a 1,000 tonne-per-year demonstration plant in the Halifax area. This is a first-of-a-kind operation. The position The Senior Process Chemist owns the process development program from laboratory through demonstration scale. The circuit is validated and performs at pilot scale. Delivering that performance at the demonstration plant is the mandate of this role. The Senior Process Chemist will: Define and direct the process development program: what is tested, in what sequence, and what result would change the design. Own the process design basis (flowsheet, mass and water balance, reagent consumption and operating envelopes) and defend it to external engineering contractors. Carry the priority development work packages through to resolved answers rather than recommendations. Translate pilot performance into a design that holds at scale, and identify divergence between the two early enough to act on it. Specify analytical methods and hold the standard for data quality across the laboratory. Lead and develop a team of chemists and technicians. Support commissioning and product qualification for the demonstration plant, including qualification work with off-take and evaluating counterparties. Qualifications A degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, extractive or process metallurgy. A graduate degree is an asset. Eight or more years in hydrometallurgical process development, including at least one circuit taken from laboratory or pilot scale into an operating plant. Command of critical and battery minerals chemistry, especially in the recovery and purification stages. Demonstrated ownership of a process design basis issued to an engineering firm or EPC contractor. Leadership of a small technical team, and credibility as a working member of one. A strong sense of urgency in delivering results. Sustained curiosity, and the confidence to revise a position early and openly. Comfort in an early-stage environment, and the discipline to work autonomously while holding to rigorous process requirements. P.Eng., P.Chem. or equivalent registration is an asset. Assets Battery recycling, or the refining of mineral intermediates. Zero liquid discharge and industrial water management. Part V industrial approval or equivalent permitting experience. Prior experience scaling a circuit. Product qualification with an off-take counterparty. To Apply Applications should include a curriculum vitae and a brief covering note on one circuit you scaled: what the design basis anticipated, what the plant did, and what you would do differently. Employment is conditional on execution of our confidentiality and assignment-of-inventions agreement. Syntra Refining Corp is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and we especially encourage applications from members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

The Senior Process Chemist owns the process development program from laboratory to demonstration scale, ensuring pilot performance is translated into a scalable design. They are responsible for defining the process design basis and leading a technical team through the commissioning of a 1,000 tonne-per-year plant.

Requires a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or metallurgy with at least eight years of experience in hydrometallurgical process development. Candidates must have a proven track record of scaling a circuit from pilot to operating plant and expertise in battery minerals chemistry.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Hydrometallurgical Process Development
• Process Design Basis
• Flowsheet Development
• Mass and Water Balance
• Critical and Battery Minerals Chemistry
• Scale-up
• Analytical Method Specification
• Team Leadership
• Commissioning
• Product Qualification
• Zero Liquid Discharge
• Industrial Water Management

• Science & Research
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Management & Leadership

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Feb 15, 2027

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level

Application method

Direct apply is available