Technical Specialist - REE Metallization

Cyclic Materials; Kingston; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

RRSP contributions

Generous paid time off program

Workforce career support

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

A sustainability-focused company in Kingston, ON is seeking a Scientist to join its R&D team. The role involves developing innovative metallization processes for rare earth materials, conducting experiments, and optimizing production methods. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 3 years of experience in metallization technologies. This full-time, hybrid position offers a salary range of CAD $90,000 - $120,000 along with comprehensive benefits including health coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in metallization processes.
• Knowledge of metallothermic methods for metal reduction.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic calculations.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative metallization techniques for rare earth elements.
• Conduct experiments to test new process steps.
• Prepare and present reports summarizing experimental results.

Skills

Metallization of rare earths

Electrochemical methods

Experimental data analysis

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master’s/Doctorate degree

Tools

FactSage

Thermo-Calc

Job description

As a Scientist on the R&D team, you will focus on developing new approaches and sustainable recycling process steps for converting rare earth containing waste into valuable products. Your role will be dedicated to expanding Cyclic Materials’ capabilities, including work in metallization of REEs and supporting ongoing projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the development, optimization, and implementation of metallization processes for rare earth metals and alloys. This role plays a crucial part in advancing our capabilities in material science, particularly in the application of rare earth materials for electronic, aerospace, energy, and other high-performance industries. Most of your time will be spent in the lab performing experiments and characterizing products and raw materials. This is a full‑time, hybrid role based in Kingston, ON. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment and is excited to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Review existing metallization technologies for rare earths and come up with new innovative ideas
• Design, develop, and optimize metallization techniques for rare earth elements and alloys
• Design, setup, and perform novel experiments to test and define new process steps
• Perform standardized bench‑scale experiments to evaluate materials and process parameters
• Prepare standard reports, presentations, and summarize experimental results clearly and concisely to other team members
• Support ongoing operations, R&D test work and Cyclic goals as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master’s/Doctorate degree in any stream aligned with the job requirements
• At least 3 years of proven experience in the metallization (Carbothermic Reduction or Molten salt electrolysis) of rare earths, titanium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum.
• Knowledge and direct experience with electrochemical and metallothermic methods for metal reduction
• Experience with fluorination and chlorination of rare earth oxides
• Capable of designing and conducting metal refining processes such as vacuum distillation, zone refining and electrorefiningExcellent knowledge of pyrometallurgical and electrometallurgical processes
• Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental data, reach conclusions, and communicate results
• Excellent knowledge of software for phase diagrams and other thermodynamic calculations (FactSage, Thermo-Calc, etc.)
• Familiarity with chemical engineering (e.g., mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport phenomena) and electrochemistry principles (e.g., charge transfer, Current‑Voltage relationships)
• Candidates with extensive industrial experience on metallization are welcome to apply in lieu of above‑mentioned qualifications
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• A safety‑first mindset: share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes
• Knowledge of milling, and physical separation methods is an asset
• Experience or the desire to be in a dynamic startup environment
• A critical thinking mindset and focus on finding answers
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows

Pay Range

CAD $90,000 - $120,000

Benefits

• Health and dental coverage
• RRSP contributions
• Generous paid time off program
• Workforce career support
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

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]. Applicants 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 an application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.