Still Bright develops modular vanadium-based electrochemical extraction systems that soak copper ores and tailings in a regenerable vanadium solution, electrically regenerating it to recover copper without pyrometallurgical smelting.
Reports to: Director of Hydrometallurgy Close collaboration with: Process Engineering, Electrochemistry, and R&D teams Location: Kenilworth, NJ Salary starts at: $109,000 Openings: 2 Equity participation reflecting the scope and trust of the role Competitive Benefits POSITION SUMMARY Still Bright is bringing the first viable hydrometallurgical alternative to copper smelting to market at a moment when global copper demand is outpacing supply by historic margins. Our proprietary RACER (Rapid and Complete Electrochemical Reduction) process delivers fast, complete copper extraction while recovering precious and critical co-products, and as a closed-loop system it offers precise control over outputs and radically reduces environmental impact. Backed by top-tier investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Material Impact, the team is moving from pilot execution into the next stages of commercial deployment. The Engineer II is an early-career engineer who executes the experimental and process-development work that advances RACER from pilot toward demonstration scale. Working under the direction of senior engineers, the person in this seat designs and runs experiments, collects and analyzes data, builds and operates bench and pilot equipment, and produces the clean technical documentation the team relies on. This is a hands-on, lab-and-pilot role ideal for an engineer ready to take real ownership of meaningful technical work in a fast-moving scale-up. There are currently two openings for this role. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Design and execute bench- and pilot-scale experiments under the guidance of senior engineers, including setup, operation, sampling, and teardown. - Collect, reduce, and analyze process and analytical data; flag anomalies and contribute to root-cause investigation. - Contribute to process flowsheets, mass and energy balances, and equipment specification. - Build, modify, and maintain bench and pilot apparatus, working closely with the controls and pilot teams. - Prepare clear, well-organized technical documentation, experiment records, and progress updates. - Support feedstock characterization and co-product recovery testwork. - Uphold laboratory and pilot safety standards, chemical handling discipline, and clean record-keeping. DEFINITION OF SUCCESS In the first 12 months, success looks like: independent execution of assigned experimental campaigns with minimal rework; reliable, well-documented data delivered on schedule; and growing ownership of one or more unit operations or subsystems. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Expected Competencies - Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, materials science, or a related field. - 2–5 years of relevant experience in process engineering, hydrometallurgy, electrochemistry, or a related laboratory/industrial discipline (or a Master’s with commensurate experience). - Solid experimental design and data-analysis skills. - Hands-on comfort building and operating laboratory and pilot equipment. - Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail. - A collaborative, self-motivated approach and comfort working in an evolving startup environment. Strongly Preferred Experience - Exposure to copper or base-metals hydrometallurgy, leaching chemistry, or electrochemical processes. - Experience with analytical characterization techniques (XRD, XRF, ICP, titration, sample digestion). - Pilot-scale or continuous-process experience. Nice-to-Have - Experience with complex or impurity-bearing feedstocks. - Familiarity with process controls and instrumentation. - Spanish-language proficiency. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Still Bright provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Still Bright complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Still Bright expressly prohibits and will never tolerate any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Still Bright especially encourages applicants from historically marginalized communities to join our mission of sustainable metals extraction.