Associate Director - Process Development

About Us
Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

How we work

Speed is part of our DNA. We’re building first-of-a-kind technology and facilities, which means the path isn’t always mapped. We’re comfortable with ambiguity: making sound, timely decisions guided by clear priorities, adapting quickly as we learn, and keeping a relentless focus on moving our business forward. We commit to fixed milestones on compressed timelines and hold ourselves accountable without compromising on safety or rigor.

Associate Director – Process Development

Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: Sr.  Director of R&D Engineering

About Us 

Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

Role Summary

Alta is seeking a talented Chemical Engineer to join our Process Development Group. This role will lead the laboratory- and pilot-scale development of the Company’s state-of-the-art separation process. Responsibilities include managing a team of scientists, creating development programs, experimental designs, process simulation and modeling, technical writing of SOPs and tech transfer documents, and assisting the Company’s on-site demonstration plant adopt new processes. The position plays an important part in advancing Alta’s mission by providing reliable data and communications to ensure smooth transition of our processes at each scale.

An ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in ion-exchange chromatography, simulated moving bed (SMB) systems, and semi-preparative chromatography, with demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and scale separation processes. A desire to learn and grow within a rapidly expanding and fast-paced company is a must. The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder lab, with occasional support outside standard hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of scientists and engineers
• Set priorities, manage resources, and deliver development programs on schedule.
• Build a culture of rigorous experimentation, clear documentation and safe lab practice.
• Define the development strategy for chromatographic separations at lab and pilot scale.
• Guide experimental design and data analysis across ÄKTA and other automated chromatography systems
• Develop and improve workflows, data analysis methods and documentation standards.
• Lead technology transfer to the demonstration plant, including process descriptions, SOPs, work instructions and transfer packages.
• Partner with the demonstration team to analyze plant data, resolve issues and drive process optimization.
• Contribute to process safety reviews and scale-up decisions.
• Work closely with Analytical Chemistry, Protein Engineering, and Engineering to align priorities and timelines.
• Present results and recommendations to Company leadership

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• 10-14+ years of laboratory experience in research or industry setting.
• 4+ years of chromatography experience
• 3+ years of management experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in first-principles modeling of process unit operations, including the application of fundamental engineering principles to predict and optimize process performance
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering separation techniques and fluid dynamics.
• Ability to execute and troubleshoot experiments using complex chemical systems.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience scaling chemical processes from R&D to multi-kilogram scale
• Experience writing and participating in process safety analyses
• Hands-on experience designing and building chemical flow systems
• Exposure to a range of analytical instrumentation, such as LC-based systems, mass spectrometry, particle size analysis, or similar platforms
• Tangential flow filtration (TFF) and/or related unit operations

Compensation & Benefits 

The starting pay range for this position is $160,000 - $220,000 commensurate with educational background and work experience. 

Benefits include:

• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent) 
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays

Certain project activities require advance approval from the U.S. Government sponsor before individuals who are not U.S. citizens may participate. Alta will coordinate this process as needed.

EOE

Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions. 

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