Associate Director
Alta Resource Technologies
Associate Director
Alta Resource Technologies
Biochemically extracts rare earths from feedstocks
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.
Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: Sr. Director of R&D Engineering
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.
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.
The starting pay range for this position is $160,000 - $220,000 commensurate with educational background and work experience.
Benefits include:
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.
If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
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Biochemically extracts rare earths from feedstocks
Alta Resource Technologies uses custom-designed proteins to selectively bind and extract rare earth elements and other critical minerals from diverse feeds, including low-grade ores, mine tailings, waste streams, and end-of-life products. The process is continuous and scalable, licensed from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and developed with partners like Pennsylvania State University, enabling high-purity separation with lower environmental impact and cost than traditional methods. The approach differentiates itself by targeting minerals from previously uneconomical sources and by offering a domestically focused supply chain to reduce dependence on foreign imports, particularly from China, for applications in electronics, renewable energy, and defense. Its goal is to expand domestic mineral production, advance pilots, and broaden the range of metals and feedstocks processed to strengthen national and economic security.
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