Senior Manager, Process Engineering

Neo is fast-forwarding the green energy transition by manufacturing the critical building blocks of modern, sustainable technologies. Our advanced industrial materials - including magnetic powders and magnets, specialty chemicals, metals, and alloys - enhance efficiency and performance in everyday products and next-generation innovations.

Neo operates three business segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides, and Rare Metals. With a global footprint, we have eight manufacturing facilities across China, the United States, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, along with a dedicated research and development centre in Singapore.

Be part of a global organization driving innovation and sustainability. At Neo, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while growing your career in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Join us in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Role Overview:

Neo Performance Materials is seeking a Senior Manager, Process Engineering to lead process development, improvement, and expansion initiatives within our Chemicals & Oxides business. This role will play a key part in strengthening Neo’s hydrometallurgical process engineering capabilities in Canada and Estonia, supporting the development and production of rare earth compounds and advanced materials.

The successful candidate will lead technical initiatives from process development and validation through scale-up and industrial implementation, working closely with Production, Engineering, R&D, Quality, Commercial teams, and external partners to improve process efficiency, reduce conversion costs, and support business growth.

Reporting to the Director of Process & Project Engineering, the Senior Manager will provide technical leadership, develop internal expertise, mentor future process engineering talent, and support capital projects, process improvements, and production expansions to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations.

What You Will Do

• Build and develop Neo’s process engineering capabilities, including in-house expertise, third-party supplier relationships, and the next generation of process engineers through coaching and mentoring.
• Serve as a key technical decision-maker for process design improvements, expansions, and capital projects, with a primary focus on hydrometallurgical processes.
• Translate customer requirements and product specifications into internal process specifications in collaboration with R&D, Business Development, Sales, and other stakeholders, considering metallurgical feasibility and supply chain requirements.
• Evaluate process improvement and growth opportunities and support techno-economic assessments in partnership with commercial teams, Business Development, and feed procurement.
• Validate process designs and engineering specifications from scale-up through industrial production, including technical approval of designs for upgrades and expansions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Production, R&D, Quality, Commercial, and external partners to support effective technical decision-making and successful project delivery.
• Define scopes of work for external vendors, consultants, and technology providers, and support the selection of suitable construction materials and process routes for equipment and feed to ensure compatibility with Neo’s production processes and equipment.
• Scale laboratory-developed solutions into industrial production while ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Apply technical expertise in process validation and control across key metallurgical processes, including solvent extraction, leaching, precipitation, solid-liquid separation, and calcination.
• Track process specifications, project milestones, risks, and resource requirements to ensure alignment with business priorities and project objectives.
• Act as a key technical interface and facilitator between process technology stakeholders, supporting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development and training of future technical talent.
• Lead the resolution of technical issues during new process launches in collaboration with Production, R&D, suppliers, and other stakeholders to support on-time delivery and achievement of product specifications.
• Present clear, structured technical project updates, recommendations, and solutions to both technical and commercial audiences.
• Apply a structured, analytical, and data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making, communicating practical solutions that balance technical requirements with business priorities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. or B.Eng.) in Extractive Metallurgy, Chemical Process Engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree (M.Sc., M.Eng., or PhD) is an asset.
• 10–15 years of experience in process engineering, technical process validation, or technical commissioning within the mining, metals, or engineered materials industries.
• Proven experience participating in or managing process technology projects involving cross-functional teams.
• Strong process design and engineering skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders, including leadership, coaching, and mentoring responsibilities.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with administrative, technical, commercial, and financial stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, particularly in technical environments.
• Strong technical understanding of metallurgical processes and industrial production standards.
• A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making, combined with a hands-on mentality, strategic thinking, and business orientation.
• Proactive, organized, and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across teams and disciplines.

Additional Assets

• Knowledge of rare earth and refractory metals and their processing methods.
• Experience working with suppliers in the metallurgy or engineered materials industries serving the automotive, aerospace, electronics, or energy sectors.
• Fluency in Russian, German, or Mandarin.

This is a permanent position, preferably based in Peterborough, Ontario. The role requires travel of up to 25% to Neo sites in Europe, Canada, and Asia, as well as partner and contractor sites for testing and process development, as needed.

This posting is for a newly created vacancy.

Base Salary Range: CAD 130,000 – CAD 160,000 annual.

AI tools may be utilized for portions of the review process such as screening applications; however all final decisions are made with human judgement. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with applicable employment laws.

Neo is committed to equal opportunity employment. Accommodation is available upon request from people with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.