R&D Engineer
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a clean mining and metals production startup focused on sustainable and economic critical metals production. The company aims to become the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing materials essential for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing while eliminating waste and emissions from mining.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe in the power of passionate, collaborative teams. You'll join a group building foundational infrastructure for the modern world, developing new ways to produce rare earth and critical metals domestically, cleanly, and at scale. Our core values include: You are only crazy if you are wrong, lead with compassion, be resourceful, listen, and hustle.
Who We Are Looking For
Pheonix Tailings is seeking an R&D Engineer to support the development and optimization of electrochemical systems for cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role requires hands-on experience with electrochemical systems, chemical process development, laboratory testing, metals processing, batteries, fuel cells, electrodeposition, corrosion, or related applied R&D work.
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.
Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. 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.
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.