Phoenix Tailings
9.5. R&D Engineer
TLDR
Support the development of electrochemical systems to enable cleaner, efficient production of critical metals, and help advance technology for sustainable mining.
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—unlocking the materials required for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing while eliminating waste and emissions from mining.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. You’ll be joining a team building the foundational infrastructure for the modern world, developing entirely new ways to produce rare earth and critical metals domestically, cleanly, and at scale.
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 R&D Electrochemist to develop and advance electrochemical systems that enable cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role will help drive the core science behind Phoenix Tailings’ clean metals platform by designing experiments, improving electrochemical performance, and translating lab-scale results into scalable process improvements. You will play a direct role in building the technology needed to produce the critical materials that power the future.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, execute, and document electrochemical experiments focused on critical metals recovery, refining, and production.
Operate and troubleshoot electrochemical cells, test stands, power supplies, potentiostats, pumps, sensors, and related laboratory equipment.
Support process development work across cell design, electrolyte composition, electrode materials, operating conditions, current efficiency, voltage efficiency, and product quality.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify trends, performance limits, failure modes, and process improvement opportunities.
Prepare samples, electrodes, electrolytes, and test materials for electrochemical experiments and analytical characterization.
Characterize electrochemical system performance using methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, linear sweep voltammetry, and related techniques.
Help scale experimental setups from bench-scale tests toward larger, more reliable systems that support Phoenix Tailings’ clean metals production platform.
Maintain clear experimental records, data summaries, test reports, and recommendations that support R&D decision-making.
Qualifications:
BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems, chemical process development, laboratory testing, metals processing, batteries, fuel cells, electrodeposition, corrosion, or related applied R&D work.
Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors, pumps, power supplies, or electrochemical instrumentation.
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices.
Ability to work with chemical systems, electrolytes, metals, electrodes, and process equipment in a hands-on R&D environment.
Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
Comfort working in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities evolve and hands-on problem solving is essential.
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- $110,000 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).
Benefits
Health Insurance
100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
Learning Budget
Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Paid Time Off
Unlimited PTO.
Stock Options
Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
Phoenix Tailings is a clean mining and metals production startup that focuses on sustainable and economically viable methods for extracting critical metals. We cater to industries dependent on these resources, aiming to become the first fully clean company in the sector, delivering the essential materials that support modern technology while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
- Founded
- Founded 2019
- Employees
- 11-50 employees
- Industry
- Metals & Mining
R&D Engineer