R&D Manager; Spoke Technology

Cyclic Materials is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary Mag Cycle and REEPure processes, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high purity materials used in the production of permanent magnets. These materials are critical to the modern economy, including the production of electric vehicles, electronics, AI infrastructure, wind turbines, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly progressed from technology development to commercialization. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with a new expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by US $75 million in Series C financing led by T. Rowe Price, alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, Arc Tern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable rare earth supply.

We have established commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real world supply chains. In 2025, Cyclic Materials was named one of the Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Technology Review.

We are growing quickly and building the industrial backbone required for a circular rare earth economy. Joining Cyclic Materials means working on complex and exciting challenges at scale, alongside a team committed to executing and delivering measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.

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 expertise in comminution and fundamentals of breakage preferably in relation to metal scrap, research methodologies, and exceptional critical thinking abilities.

This role will be based on Kingston, ON.

• Develop testing methodologies and processes to support the evaluation of new materials and optimizing plant operations.
• 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.
• Document findings and assist in preparing technical reports for both internal teams and stakeholders.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mining engineering, or relevant field with experience in mineral processing, more specifically comminution.
• Master of engineering preferred, or extensive experience in lieu.
• 10 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 processing, characterization and elemental analysis techniques (e.g., specific energy, bond work index, breakage rate, etc.); 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…