The Role
Hands-on Production Engineer supporting pilot-scale critical metal refining: operate and troubleshoot pilot equipment, run experiments, collect and analyze process data, optimize yield and throughput, support equipment setup and transitions, maintain production documentation, implement process improvements, and enforce safety on a 24/7 pilot production floor.
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 hands-on Production Engineer II with a background in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering to join our R&D and Pilot Production team. In this role, you will play a critical part in scaling up the future of clean critical metal production. You’ll work directly on the pilot production floor, helping to optimize early-stage technologies, validate new processes, and drive the transition from lab-scale innovations to scalable industrial systems. Your work will directly impact the development of sustainable pathways for rare earth metals manufacturing—one of the foundational infrastructures of tomorrow’s technology.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate, monitor, and improve pilot-scale equipment used in critical metal refining and materials processing
- Execute and support experimental production runs, capturing data to validate and optimize new processes
- Perform mechanical and process troubleshooting on custom-built and commercial equipment
- Track and analyze key process metrics to drive performance improvements in yield, throughput, and stability
- Support equipment setup, calibration, and transitions between R&D and production runs
- Collaborate with R&D, Process Engineering, and Operations to translate process designs into practical pilot workflows
- Maintain accurate production logs and technical documentation to support process knowledge transfer
- Drive implementation of process improvements to enhance safety, scalability, and reproducibility
- Ensure rigorous adherence to safety protocols and foster a proactive safety culture on the floor
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
- 2–4 years of experience in a hands-on production, pilot plant, or R&D manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and improve complex mechanical and chemical systems
- Strong data collection and analysis skills to support process development and optimization
- Experience with early-stage or pilot-scale industrial equipment is a strong plus
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, 24/7 facility with rotating shifts (including occasional nights/weekends)
- Excellent communication skills, self-starting mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
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: $90,000- $130,000 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
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field
- 2-4 years experience in hands-on production, pilot plant, or R&D manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and improve complex mechanical and chemical systems
- Strong data collection and analysis skills to support process development and optimization
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, 24/7 facility with rotating shifts (including occasional nights/weekends)
- Excellent communication skills, self-starting mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
- Experience with early-stage or pilot-scale industrial equipment
- Rigorous adherence to safety protocols and fostering a proactive safety culture
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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.
