Manager, Pilot Plant Scale-Up & Operations

Positioned at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and critical resource recovery, pH7 Technologies is tackling urgent global challenges in mining and metal recycling by providing innovative closed-loop metal extraction processes. We are a dynamic, fast-paced company driven by a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our team is committed to attracting and retaining top, diverse talent who share our vision of building a better, cleaner planet.

The Opportunity

pH7 Technologies is scaling a proprietary technology platform that recovers high-value metals through two complementary businesses: recycling spent catalysts and other materials, and extracting metals from mining ores using a novel heap leach process. With its first commercial recycling plant operating in Vancouver and new facilities in development, pH7 is entering an exciting phase of industrial scale-up.

We are looking for a hands-on engineering leader to take our technology from the lab to the field, leading the design, build and operation of pilot plants that demonstrate the path to commercial-scale production.

The immediate focus is a new pilot plant in Chile, followed by a second facility in Canada. You'll own these projects from engineering design through commissioning and operations, working across scientific, engineering and operational teams to turn validated processes into reliable industrial systems.

This is an opportunity to shape how an emerging technology scales, build teams and establish the operational foundations for future commercial plants. The position may be scoped at Manager or Director level depending on experience.

What You'll Do

Pilot Plant Design & Scale-Up

• Translate laboratory and bench-scale results into practical process designs, equipment specifications, plant layouts and operating systems.
• Lead pilot plant engineering, fabrication, assembly and deployment, ensuring facilities are fit for purpose and ready for field operations.
• Identify and solve scale-up challenges, bridging process chemistry, engineering design and industrial operating realities.

Commissioning & Field Operations

• Lead plant installation, commissioning, start-up, ramp-up and operating campaigns, troubleshooting process and equipment issues as they arise.
• Travel internationally to oversee deployments and operations, including the planned Chilean and Canadian facilities.
• Establish operating procedures, maintenance practices and performance monitoring to support safe, reliable operations.

Team & Project Leadership

• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, operators and contractors.
• Provide clear direction across technical and hands-on teams, coordinating with local partners and site personnel to keep projects on track.
• Communicate project progress, technical challenges and results to internal leadership, customers and external partners.

Performance & Safety

• Oversee pilot campaign data collection and analysis, working with process and metallurgical teams to optimise recovery, throughput and reagent consumption.
• Generate the technical data needed to inform commercial plant design and project development.
• Maintain rigorous safety, environmental and regulatory standards across international sites.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in process engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgy or a related discipline, with a track record of taking technologies from laboratory development into pilot, demonstration or industrial operations.
• Direct experience designing, building, commissioning or operating pilot plants or complex process systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial operations and the practical challenges of scaling processes and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, including engineers, technicians, operators and contractors.
• Mining, minerals processing, metal recovery or hydrometallurgy experience is highly desirable, particularly exposure to heap leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation or related processes.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and work on-site, including in Chile and potentially remote locations.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and decision-making skills, with a hands-on, pragmatic approach suited to a scaling technology company.
• A degree in Metallurgical, Chemical, Process or a related Engineering discipline is preferred. A P.Eng. or equivalent designation is an asset. Spanish-language proficiency is highly desirable given the planned Chilean deployment.

Why pH7?

• Take technology from lab to reality. Turn validated science into working pilot plants, solving the engineering and operational challenges that stand between promising technology and commercial scale.
• Make your mark in a growing company. Join at a pivotal stage where your technical expertise, leadership and decisions will directly influence the company's next phase of growth.
• Significant autonomy, ownership and international exposure.
• Compensation: $160,000-$190,000 + stock options.

Location: Vancouver preferred, but not required.

Travel: Approximately 50% internationally.

All applicants will be required to participate in a criminal history and credit history background check as part of the onboarding process.

All employment offers at pH7 Technologies are contingent upon successfully completing and passing these checks.pH7 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace that values the unique backgrounds, talents, and perspectives of all individuals. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences and welcome those who bring diverse ideas and contributions to our team.