Control Room Operator

Cyclic Materials; Kingston; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental coverage

RRSP/401K contributions

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Cyclic Materials is seeking a Control Room Operator for the HUB500 Hydrometallurgy plant in Kingston, Ontario. You will operate the computer-based control system, monitor key process parameters, and perform routine sampling and equipment checks to ensure safe, efficient operation.

The role requires past control room experience, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle 12-hour rotating shifts in a noisy, hazardous environment. Competitive CAD pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Past control room operator experience required.
• Strong computer and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand and respond to process lab test results.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 kg.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the computer-based control system within design parameters.
• Monitor tank levels, flow rates, pH, temperature and related controls.
• Inspect circuits to detect deviations and correct them promptly.
• Make control system adjustments based on test results.
• Operate and maintain plant utilities (chiller, boiler, compressor, oxygen).
• Perform routine process sampling and quality checks.
• Enter and update product information in inventory system.
• Provide temporary supervisor duties for absences.

Skills

Past control room operator experience

Manufacturing experience

Computer skills

Read process test results

Physical lifting ability

Job description

Cyclic Materials™ is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary MagCycle℠ 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, ArcTern 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.

The Control Room Operator at our HUB500 Hydrometallurgy plant located in Kingston, Ontario will report to the Operations Shift Supervisor and act as backup to the supervisor. The position will perform the daily, weekly and hourly activities and preventative maintenance checks required to operate the plant, and maintain a highly reliable, tour-ready facility including but not limited to:

• Operating and monitoring the computer-based control system within its design parameters
• Monitoring tank levels, pumping flow rates, reagent addition rates, tank pH, and temperature, etc.
• Inspecting the circuits regularly to detect process deviations and have them corrected as soon as possible.
• Making control system adjustments in response to process test results
• Operating, monitoring and maintaining as appropriate including chiller, boiler, compressor and oxygen generator
• Periodic process sampling and testing
• Tracking of measurements on a control chart
• Performing temporary supervisor duties for absences coverage

The ideal candidate will be a strong team player, that supports trust, performance, quality, and safety in the operation.

Key Responsibilities:

Preproduction activities include:

• Assist in writing SOPs
• Assist in installation of equipment
• Assist in training of operators
• Complete preproduction training
• Painting, and labelling of equipment and structures as required

Postproduction activities include:

• Operate and monitor on-site chiller, boiler, compressor and oxygen plants.
• Perform routine process sampling, process quality checks, and control charting
• Interface with the Plant Metallurgist to conduct plant optimization campaigns and provide feedback.
• Complete daily assessments of the specific tasks assigned to ensure all job hazards and controls are understood
• Enter and adjust product information in the inventory management system
• Performing temporary supervisor duties for absences coverage and ongoing managing and monitoring the work of process operators
• Occasional use of a forklift, pallet jack, floor washer, and other small equipment
• Troubleshoot process equipment and elevate for assistance where required
• Perform minor mechanical repairs on equipment where qualified to do so.
• Participates, as required, in daily, weekly, and monthly site inspections to ensure housekeeping and safety standards are always maintained.
• Participates as required in the daily discussion on evaluation of operating and maintenance losses and action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Work with the lab to understand process deviations and control them
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience preferred
• Past control room operator experience required.
• Strong computer and problem-solving skills
• Ability to understand and respond to process lab test results
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20kg
• Ability to sit, stand, bend and work in awkward positions for extended periods of time
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot process systems an asset.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work on a rotating 12 hour shift schedule, 7 days / week, days and nights, rotational basis, including holidays
• Ability to work in a noisy, dusty environment, with hazardous materials
• Experience in hydrometallurgical processes would be an asset

Working Conditions

• This position may require working in outdoor or indoor environments, with exposure to noise, dust, and varying weather conditions.
• The job may involve shift work, weekend shifts, or on-call availability depending on operational needs.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times.
• Please note: Certain areas of the facility contain equipment that generates strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields. These conditions may interfere with active implanted medical devices (such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, or insulin pumps). Applicants who use such devices are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider to determine whether this environment is suitable. Cyclic Materials is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible workplace and will review reasonable accommodation requests in accordance with applicable legislation.

Pay Range: $35 CAD - $37 CAD

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 (Canada)/ 401K (USA) 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 [e-mail] 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.