The Role
Lead planning, design, and execution of greenfield and brownfield critical metal processing plants. Manage EPC/EPCM partners, capital budgets (> $50M), permitting, safety compliance, technical reviews, risk assessments, and scale teams to translate R&D into manufacturable, sustainable, zero-waste production.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you share our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and excitement for building foundational infrastructure for a clean economy, then this is the place for you.
Our Values:
● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
● Lead with Compassion
● Be Resourceful
● Listen
● Hustle
Who We Are Looking For:
Phoenix Tailings is looking for an experienced and driven Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the development and execution of new facility builds. This individual will be a cornerstone in the expansion of our clean metals production capacity, spearheading greenfield and brownfield plant design, engineering, and construction. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience working with EPC and EPCM firms and a strong background in launching industrial manufacturing plants from the ground up. Your leadership will directly shape the future of clean, domestic critical metal supply in the U.S.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic planning, engineering design, and execution of greenfield and brownfield critical metal processing plants
- Oversee and manage relationships with EPC and EPCM partners to ensure technical, budgetary, and schedule alignment
- Define plant layout, equipment specifications, and infrastructure requirements aligned with Phoenix Tailings' clean production technologies
- Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and permitting requirements throughout the project lifecycle
- Develop and manage capital project budgets and timelines, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives
- Conduct rigorous technical reviews and risk assessments to ensure constructability, operability, and scalability
- Drive innovation in plant design and manufacturing methods that align with Phoenix Tailings’ mission of sustainable, zero-waste production
- Build and scale a high-performing team of manufacturing, process, and project engineers
- Interface closely with executive leadership and technical teams to translate R&D outcomes into scalable manufacturing solutions
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience leading large-scale industrial facility builds, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Proven track record managing full-cycle greenfield or brownfield capital projects in manufacturing, mining, chemicals, or energy sectors
- Deep experience working with both EPC or EPCM firms on complex industrial builds, from conceptual engineering through commissioning
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets >$50M and multi-year buildouts across multiple disciplines
- Strong working knowledge of permitting, environmental compliance, and industrial safety regulations
- Experience in metals, mining, or chemical processing industries strongly preferred
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
- Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
- Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $200,000-$250,000 total cash compensation plus equity
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
Skills Required
- 10+ years leading large-scale industrial facility builds
- At least 5 years in a leadership role
- Proven full-cycle experience on greenfield or brownfield capital projects in manufacturing, mining, chemicals, or energy
- Deep experience working with EPC and EPCM firms from concept through commissioning
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets greater than $50M and multi-year buildouts
- Strong working knowledge of permitting, environmental compliance, and industrial safety regulations
- Experience in metals, mining, or chemical processing industries
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
- Experience defining plant layout, equipment specifications, and infrastructure requirements
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The Company
What We Do
Phoenix Tailings is a rare earth metals production company dedicated to restoring U.S. industrial independence by building domestic refining capacity. The company aims to redefine the industry as the first fully clean mining and metals producer, using sustainable, net-zero technology to transform mining waste (tailings) into critical rare earth metals and alloys essential for modern technology, defense, and green energy infrastructure.
