Extractive Metallurgist

Leidos is seeking an expert Extractive Metallurgist to join the RSS Contract supporting the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Albany, OR. In this role, you will work as part of DOE’s energy research and engineering R&D laboratory team supporting NETL to develop novel and scalable methods for critical materials processing. Location: Onsite at the NETL campus in Albany, OR. What this opportunity provides Applied, cutting‑edge projects with global impact alongside leading energy scientists and engineers. Insight into a broad range of mission‑critical engineering and scientific disciplines leveraged by NETL. Access to world‑class, customized facilities and computational assets for high‑impact energy research. Collaboration with federal personnel to develop new technical opportunities and expand industry and scientific partnerships. Primary Responsibilities Develop, test, and optimize physical beneficiation, hydrometallurgical and/or pyrometallurgical processes for efficient concentration and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs), gallium (Ga), and germanium (Ge) from complex geologic materials and other low‑value streams. Conduct bench‑ and pilot‑scale processes in NETL’s Feedstock Beneficiation Lab. Characterize feedstocks with mineralogical, chemical, and physical techniques to guide process selection and optimization. Recommend and implement new testing equipment or protocols to improve process development. Collaborate with geologists, mineralogists, extractive metallurgists, chemical engineers, and analytical chemists to develop integrated process flowsheets. Analyze and interpret experimental data to support scale‑up and techno‑economic assessments. Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations; contribute to publications, patent filings, and strategic development. Communicate scientific results through written methods, results, and data interpretations for inclusion in peer‑review manuscripts and technical reports. Present results orally to staff, stakeholders, and professional conferences. Maintain a safe laboratory environment through adherence to safety protocols and environmental compliance standards. Train and mentor new staff in lab operations and research methods. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients. Provide weekly and monthly technical updates to research team members and project management. Lead and delegate on projects, communicating milestone status to management. Requirements Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with 6+ years of hands‑on experience in mineral processing or extractive metallurgy process development. Demonstrated expertise in minerals processing and metallurgical operations relevant to critical materials (REEs, Ga, Ge). Experience processing low‑grade ores from clays, coal, by‑products, mine waste, or other unconventional sources. Familiarity with processing oxide, sulfide, or carbon‑rich materials and associated impurity management. Knowledge of mineral processing hazards and material waste management procedures. Understanding of mineralogic assemblages associated with conventional and unconventional mineral deposits such as industrial solid wastes for rare earth elements, Ga, Ge. Ability to develop and implement new standard operating procedures and work instructions for critical minerals processing. Strong troubleshooting skills, adapting strategies based on evolving data and seeking innovative solutions. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for multidisciplinary teams. Outstanding time‑management skills; experience meeting project milestones with minimal oversight. Proven track record of publications, presentations, and/or patents related to research on geologic/material systems. Must meet the requirements for security clearance and access to NETL campus. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Hands‑on experience managing, scaling up, and deploying pilot‑scale metallurgical and mining process operations. Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance professional work quality and efficiency. Salary Salary Range: $120,000 to $125,000. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr