R&D Manager (Engineering)
Reports to CTO/Director of R&D
Salary Range: $80-$120K
Environment: Hybrid (4 days in office/1 day remote)
Cyclic Materials is a rapidly growing cleantech company, building a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials essential to the clean energy transition. The company's proprietary MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠ processes transform end-of-life products into valuable raw materials used in EVs, wind turbines, and electronics. With its successful commercial demonstration, Cyclic Materials is rapidly scaling commercially across North America, Europe and Asia.
Cyclic Materials is backed by a number of world-class investors, including global technology companies, auto industry players and major funds. Cyclic Materials was founded in 2021 and headquartered in Toronto, with plants in Kingston, Ontario and Mesa, Arizona. We are proudly named as one of Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Tech Review in 2025. Learn more about Cyclic Materials cyclicmaterials.earth.
Cyclic Materials is looking to add curious, hard-working, and driven individuals to our growing team. Come join us and help build a global cleantech leader together!
Job Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Research and Development Manager to join our team. This role will focus on leading projects which analyze and determine the composition of items we recycle, evaluate and optimize the process integration of new feed materials into our commercial plants, which contributes directly to our sustainable recycling and materials recovery initiatives. The successful candidate will bring experience in research methodologies, fundamental understanding of material sciences, and exceptional critical thinking abilities. This role will be based on Kingston, ON.
What you will be doing:
- Manage a team of technicians, ensuring the collection and documentation of data related to material compositions and process outcomes to support the recycling and materials recovery process.
- Develop testing methodologies and processes to support the evaluation of new materials and optimizing plant operations.
- Collaborate with engineers and business development team to refine analysis methodologies and enhance testing accuracy.
- Participate in project meetings and provide updates on progress, findings, and any challenges encountered.
We seek an assortment of skills that would include all or a mix of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, process/chemical engineering, materials Science, mining engineering, or relevant field with experience in mineral processing
- Master of engineering preferred
- 7+ years of experience in R&D, process optimization or project management in industrial manufacturing or recycling environments
- Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams in a production or research environment
- Knowledge of materials characterization and elemental analysis (XRF, ICP, SEM/EDS); strong data analysis and reporting ability
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and overseeing R&D or process improvement projects.
- Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in hands-on research and testing
- Skilled in experimental design, process evaluation, and structuring complex data.
- Ability to work independently, follow safety protocols, and handle complex materials in a manufacturing and lab environment.
- Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- Basic understanding of elemental analysis techniques (XRF, ICP, etc.) or experience in lab-based work is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail in a complex multi-faceted structure
Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials
- At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
- We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
- We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions
The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Cyclic Materials is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed. If you require accommodation at any stage of the interview process, please email [email protected].
Applicants for employment in the Canada and US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States or Canada and with Cyclic Materials (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa or any other non-immigrant status).
To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Top Skills
What We Do
Cyclic Materials transforms yesterday’s waste into tomorrow’s critical materials. We’re creating a circular supply chain for the rare earth elements and critical materials that power our global economy, without compromising quality or environmental impact.
Our proprietary two-phase process is unlocking value from discarded waste. Our MagCycle℠ technology simplifies the separation of rare earth magnets and critical metals from end-of-life electric vehicles, consumer electronics, wind turbines, and MRIs. Then our REEPure℠ technology restores those valuable materials back to their raw form, unlocking new revenue streams for metal buyers and feedstock companies. We are the only high-tech recycling company offering a scalable, efficient, and low-carbon recycling solution that complements mining on both quality and cost, and mitigates the risks associated with extraction.
Cyclic Materials is setting a high bar for sustainable resource recovery. We’ve solved the barriers to creating a circular economy for rare earths, and our transparent, data-driven approach ensures the highest standards of sustainability and traceability, including rigorous Scope 3 carbon tracking and water efficiency.
With USD $83.5M in funding, including USD $53M in Series B funding backed by partners like Microsoft and BMW i Ventures, we’re scaling our recycling infrastructure across North America and Canada to meet global demand.
Cyclic Materials is establishing a more resilient, domestic supply chain for rare earths and critical metals, providing opportunity and value for global industries.
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