Technical Program Director

Technical Program/Project Manager (TPM) – Mineral Processing & Critical Minerals About the Role ElementUSA is advancing how the world recovers and refines critical minerals, transforming industrial residues into valuable resources, accelerating America’s access to critical minerals. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Technical Program/Project Manager (TPM) to join our leadership team in Austin, TX. This individual will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of complex mineral processing and critical minerals projects with a focus on federal compliance, engineering workflows, and cross-functional collaboration. The TPM will report directly to the COO and work closely with our technical team, project development team, external EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms, and global partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest standards of technical and regulatory excellence. The ideal candidate will bring a unique blend of program management expertise, engineering and mineral processing knowledge, regulatory compliance experience (DoE/DoW contracts), and stakeholder engagement skills. This is a pivotal role, responsible for translating strategic vision into executable project roadmaps, while ensuring operational discipline, financial accountability, and technical rigor. This role offers a unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of mineral processing innovation, critical minerals supply chains, and federal energy/security initiatives. As TPM, you will play a direct role in shaping the future of sustainable mineral processing in the U.S., working with world-class partners and cutting-edge technologies. We are committed to building a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and impact—and are looking for a TPM who shares this vision. What You’ll Do Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive project plans, Gantt charts, schedules, and critical path analyses. Serve as the primary point of contact for cross-functional project execution, ensuring alignment between engineering, laboratory, regulatory, and business development teams. Proactively identify risks, dependencies, and resource needs; develop and execute mitigation strategies. Monitor and report on project progress, milestones, and deliverables to executive leadership. Technical & Engineering Oversight Collaborate with process engineers, hydrometallurgists, pyrometallurgists, material scientists, and chemists on mineralogical assays, material characterization, and process design. Ensure integration of process engineering principles into project workflows. Support evaluation of pilot plants, scale-ups, and EPC design packages for commercial facilities. Coordinate with laboratories on analytical testing (XRF, XRD, ICP, BET, LOI, PSD, etc.) and ensure results are incorporated into decision-making and that data is appropriately tracked. Regulatory & Compliance Manage Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Defense (DoD/DoW), and other federal contracts to ensure compliance. Prepare technical and compliance documentation, grant/funding progress reports, and deliverables. Stay current with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations. Budget & Financial Accountability Own project budgets from initiation through completion, including forecasting, tracking, and variance analysis. Work with finance teams to align expenditures with project milestones and funding disbursements. Negotiate contracts and scopes of work with EPC firms and service providers. Stakeholder & External Collaboration Represent the company in discussions with EPC firms, consultants, suppliers, and government partners. Facilitate effective communication between internal teams and external stakeholders. Build strong relationships with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies. What You Bring Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Process, Metallurgical, or Materials Engineering), Geology, or related technical field; Master’s degree preferred. Experience: 7+ years of project management experience in industrial minerals, mining, or materials processing. Proven track record managing EPC contracts and large-scale industrial projects. Experience with DoE/DoD/DoW contracts or federal compliance frameworks. Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with mineralogical testing methods (XRF, XRD, ICP, SEM/EDS, etc.). Understanding of process flowsheets, pyro- and hydro-metallurgical processing, and pilot-scale testing. Project Management Expertise: Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent tools; PMP certification preferred. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Desired Competencies Familiarity with critical minerals markets and supply chains. Knowledge of sustainability, recycling, and waste-to-value conversion processes. Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up challenges. Exposure to environmental permitting and EHS practices. Ability to synthesize technical data into concise executive-level updates. Why ElementUSA ElementUSA is redefining the future of mineral processing. Our team is committed to accelerating America’s access to critical minerals by converting industrial residues, like bauxite residue, into valuable materials for national security, semiconductors and energy infrastructure. Here’s what sets us apart: Innovation with Impact: Our proprietary processes support both economic growth and environmental restoration. Mission-Driven Work: Every project contributes to reducing waste, improving recovery, and strengthening the U.S. critical mineral supply chain. Collaborative Environment: We bring together scientists, engineers, and innovators who share a passion for solving real-world challenges. Growth and Opportunity: As we scale our operations, you’ll have the chance to shape analytical strategy and influence the next generation of mineral recovery technology. Join Us If you’re excited by the idea of advancing sustainable mineral science and want your analytical work to make a measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you. ElementUSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr