The Role
Own and improve complex manufacturing processes, equipment, and scale-up initiatives for critical metals production. Lead tooling and equipment development, commissioning, qualification, troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, process validation, production data analysis, and design-for-manufacturing decisions. Drive improvements in throughput, yield, reliability, quality, safety, cost, and production readiness while serving as a technical resource in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
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 Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, 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 a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to take technical ownership of complex manufacturing processes, equipment, and scale-up efforts at our Exeter facility.
This role will be central to turning developing process technologies into robust, high-performing manufacturing systems capable of supporting commercial-scale critical metals production. You will be expected to solve difficult production problems, define manufacturing standards, drive equipment and process improvements, and make engineering decisions that directly influence capacity, reliability, cost, quality, and safety.
We are looking for an engineer who thrives in a hands-on environment, can operate effectively with incomplete information, and is motivated by the opportunity to build manufacturing infrastructure that does not yet exist.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the technical performance and continuous improvement of critical manufacturing processes, driving measurable improvements in throughput, yield, reliability, quality, safety, and cost.
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of tooling, fixtures, equipment modifications, and manufacturing systems required to scale Phoenix Tailings' production capabilities.
- Diagnose complex equipment and process failures, lead root-cause investigations, and implement permanent corrective actions that improve long-term production stability.
- Define manufacturing process requirements, operating windows, control strategies, and engineering standards needed to transition technologies from development into reliable production.
- Lead the specification, design review, installation, commissioning, qualification, and ramp-up of new production equipment and manufacturing systems.
- Develop and execute engineering trials, process validation plans, and scale-up studies that reduce technical risk and establish repeatable production methods.
- Use production data, equipment performance, and process capability analysis to identify capacity constraints and prioritize high-impact manufacturing improvements.
- Drive design-for-manufacturing decisions for new equipment, components, and process technologies to improve scalability, maintainability, and production readiness.
- Serve as a technical resource on manufacturing engineering decisions, providing guidance on equipment design, process development, troubleshooting, and manufacturing best practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 6+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, production engineering, equipment engineering, or a related industrial environment.
- Demonstrated experience owning and improving complex manufacturing processes or production equipment in a hands-on operating environment.
- Strong experience with root-cause analysis, process optimization, equipment troubleshooting, and implementation of corrective and preventive engineering solutions.
- Experience specifying, commissioning, qualifying, and ramping manufacturing equipment or production systems from installation through stable operation.
- Demonstrated ability to use production data, process capability, engineering experimentation, and structured problem-solving to drive measurable manufacturing improvements.
- Strong working knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD, equipment specifications, manufacturing documentation, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
- Proven ability to independently drive complex technical work from problem definition through implementation in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
- Abie to lift up to 50 lbs
- Able to wear a respirator for extended periods of time
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.
- Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
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
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Chemical, or Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, process, production, equipment engineering, or a related industrial environment
- Experience owning and improving complex manufacturing processes or production equipment in a hands-on operating environment
- Experience with root-cause analysis, process optimization, equipment troubleshooting, and corrective and preventive engineering solutions
- Experience specifying, commissioning, qualifying, and ramping manufacturing equipment or production systems
- Ability to use production data, process capability analysis, engineering experimentation, and structured problem-solving
- Working knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD, equipment specifications, manufacturing documentation, and design-for-manufacturing principles
- Ability to independently drive complex technical work from problem definition through implementation
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to wear a respirator for extended periods
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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.
