The Role
Lead operation and optimization of a Burlington pilot plant for rare earth and critical metal refining. Own equipment, troubleshoot mechanical and chemical process issues, analyze production data, collaborate with R&D to scale processes, author SOPs, and drive safety, efficiency, and uptime improvements.
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 seeking an experienced Senior Production Engineer to join our team at our Burlington, MA pilot facility. In this highly impactful role, you’ll lead the charge in scaling next-generation clean metal refining processes from R&D to production. Working at the heart of our 24/7 operations, you’ll own critical equipment, guide early-stage process validation, and drive key improvements to make our pilot plant more robust, efficient, and scalable. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-moving, startup environment and is passionate about building the sustainable industrial base of the future.
This pay range reflects the expected compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Salary Range: $120,000-$160,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the operation and optimization of pilot-scale production systems for rare earth and critical metal refining
- Own critical equipment and systems, ensuring they are operating reliably, safely, and to target specifications
- Analyze operational data to drive performance improvements in yield, throughput, efficiency, and uptime
- Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical or chemical process issues in real time
- Collaborate with R&D and Process Engineering to validate and scale new metallurgical processes
- Guide experimental production campaigns and translate findings into process improvements
- Author and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and operating guidelines for pilot operations
- Contribute to the design and build-out of new production infrastructure as processes mature
- Uphold rigorous safety and environmental standards, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 4–7+ years of experience in pilot plant, advanced manufacturing, or production-scale R&D
- Demonstrated success operating and scaling complex chemical or mechanical systems in a hands-on role
- Experience working in 24/7 or shift-based operations and leading initiatives in production environments
- Proficiency in collecting and analyzing production and process data to drive results
- Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment, instrumentation, and controls
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
- Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
- Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
- 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!
- Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.
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 degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- Master's degree
- 4-7+ years of experience in pilot plant, advanced manufacturing, or production-scale R&D
- Demonstrated success operating and scaling complex chemical or mechanical systems in a hands-on role
- Experience working in 24/7 or shift-based operations and leading initiatives in production environments
- Proficiency in collecting and analyzing production and process data to drive results
- Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial equipment, instrumentation, and controls
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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.
