Research & Development Engineering Manager

Cyclic Materials; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cleantech company in Kingston, ON is seeking a proactive R&D Manager to lead projects focused on optimizing recycling processes and materials recovery. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in R&D and showcases strong skills in team management and data analysis. You will enhance testing methodologies and collaborate closely with engineers to improve operational efficiency. Join us in shaping sustainable solutions for the future.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in R&D, process optimization, or project management in industrial manufacturing or recycling.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of technicians in data collection and documentation.
• Develop testing methodologies for evaluating new materials.
• Collaborate with engineers to enhance testing accuracy.

Skills

Team management

Data analysis

Experimental design

Communication skills

Process optimization

Materials characterization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Master of engineering preferred

Tools

XRF

ICP

SEM/EDS

Job description

R&D Manager (Engineering)

Company Description

Cyclic Materials is one of the most exciting cleantech companies in North America.

We are addressing environmental, geopolitical, and supply chain challenges by recovering rare earth elements and other valuable materials from the difficult-to-recycle products of the modern world. We provide the market with a secure and regional supply of metals critical to energy transition, and do so in an ethical, economic, and sustainable way.

With the global market for magnet rare earth elements forecast to increase dramatically by 2030, establishing new sources of these critical elements will be vital to support the electrification of the economy across Canada, North America, and the world.

Cyclic Materials is positioned to be a key player in developing a circular economy to support the energy transition.

Join the team in building a global recycling cleantech company.

Position Overview

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 experience in research methodologies, fundamental understanding of material sciences, and exceptional critical thinking abilities. This role will be based on Kingston, ON.

What you will be doing:

• 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.
• Develop testing methodologies and processes to support the evaluation of new materials and optimizing plant operations.
• 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.

We seek an assortment of skills that would include all or a mix of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, process/chemical engineering, materials science, mining engineering, or relevant field with experience in mineral processing
• Master of engineering preferred
• 7+ 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 characterization and elemental analysis (XRF, ICP, SEM/EDS); 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 complex materials in a manufacturing and lab environment.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem‑solving.
• Basic understanding of elemental analysis techniques (XRF, ICP, etc.) or experience in lab‑based work is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail in a complex multi‑faceted structure

Learn more about Cyclic Materials here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEf6tR-TmAc

An Equal Opportunity employer, at Cyclic Materials, equality is a core tenet of our culture. We are committed to building an inclusive global team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. The more diverse we are, the richer our community and the broader our impact.

Applicants for employment in Canada and the 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).

Please note that ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES will be contacted for this opportunity.