R&D Engineer

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.

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.

• You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
• Lead with Compassion
• Be Resourceful
• Listen
• Hustle

Phoenix Tailings is looking for an R&D Engineer to support the development and optimization of electrochemical systems that enable cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role is for a hands‑on engineer who can run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and help translate lab‑scale electrochemical work into practical process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world.

• 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.

• 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, electrode position, 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. 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.

At Phoenix Tailings, we have…