4.3. Principal Sustainability Engineer

The Principal Sustainability Engineer at Phoenix Tailings will lead the integration of carbon capture, utilization, and storage strategies into production systems, conduct lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and develop techno-economic evaluations for emerging technologies. This role is vital for guiding decision-making and ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as for collaborating with R&D and engineering teams to embed sustainability into process and product design.

To be considered for the Principal Sustainability Engineer role at Phoenix Tailings, candidates should possess a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, coupled with at least 8 years of experience in sustainability or clean technology engineering, specifically in the metals or chemical processing industry. A strong expertise in carbon capture technologies, lifecycle assessment tools, and regulatory frameworks is essential.

Phoenix Tailings is committed to fostering a supportive environment for its employees. As a Principal Sustainability Engineer, you will have access to learning and development opportunities to hone your skills further. The company encourages flexible work policies to balance life and work, along with competitive compensation and a focus on teamwork, making it a great opportunity to advance your career in sustainability.

Phoenix Tailings adopts a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes carbon capture, lifecycle analysis, and emissions reduction. The Principal Sustainability Engineer will spearhead initiatives to assess and implement these strategies across our production processes. This role is crucial for our goal of achieving long-term environmental and economic viability in our operations while addressing the challenges of sustainability in the mining sector.

Phoenix Tailings offers a unique and dynamic work environment aimed at creating an impactful future in clean mining. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and shared values, we ensure that our employees feel valued and engaged. The Principal Sustainability Engineer role at Phoenix Tailings comes with competitive compensation benefits, a culture that promotes flexibility, and a team committed to making a difference, all of which contribute to making us a desirable place to work.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you have implemented carbon capture technologies or have worked with sustainable materials. Discuss your role, the challenges faced, and the results achieved, showcasing your technical expertise and problem-solving skills in sustainability.

In your response, define lifecycle assessment and describe its purpose in evaluating the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. Provide an example of how you have utilized LCA in your past work to support decision-making and sustainability initiatives.

Mention the resources you use to stay informed, including industry journals, conferences, webinars, or professional organizations. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and how you apply new information to enhance your work in sustainability engineering.

Provide a specific example of a project where you successfully led a diverse team. Discuss your leadership style, how you fostered collaboration, and the outcomes of the project. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Discuss your methodology for conducting techno-economic assessments and technology readiness evaluations. Explain how you analyze the feasibility of early-stage technologies and the criteria you consider in making recommendations for their integration.

Share specific strategies you've learned or used in the field, such as implementing carbon capture technologies, optimizing processes, and exploring alternative materials. Discuss how these strategies can be integrated into mining operations to achieve emissions reduction goals.

Explain your understanding of corporate sustainability strategies and how you would work with different departments to ensure that sustainability goals align with overall business objectives. Provide examples of how you have successfully created synergy between these areas.

Specify the tools you are proficient in, such as SimaPro or GREET. Discuss your experience with these tools and how you have utilized them to assess lifecycle emissions, highlighting specific examples of projects where you applied them successfully.

Detail your approach for creating transparent sustainability reports. Discuss how you would gather and analyze data, communicate outcomes, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, while also catering to the needs of different stakeholders, such as investors and customers.

Share your enthusiasm for sustainable mining and how it aligns with Phoenix Tailings' mission to innovate in the clean technology space. Discuss your passion for teamwork, creativity, and making a positive environmental impact, emphasizing why this position is an ideal fit for you.