6.6. Controls Engineer I

Phoenix Tailings; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean mining startup in the UK is seeking a Controls Engineer I to work hands-on with automation systems. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to learn in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include developing PLC systems and HMI design. The ideal candidate has a degree in Electrical Engineering and familiarity with industrial automation tools. Competitive benefits include full healthcare coverage, stock options, and flexible working culture.

Benefits

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company

Flexible vacation policy

Learning and development opportunities

Regular team events and celebrations

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs and ladder logic or structured text programming.
• Exposure to HMI or SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and testing of PLC-based automation systems.
• Support HMI design and implementation.
• Help configure and wire control panels with guidance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Control panel wiring

Problem-solving

Industrial networking protocols

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Ignition

Job description

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, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.

Our Values:

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

Who We Are Looking For:

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Controls Engineer I who’s excited to work hands-on with real hardware and software to help automate the next generation of rare earth and critical metals processing. This role is perfect for a recent graduate or early-career engineer looking to grow in industrial automation, PLC/HMI programming, and electrical integration. You'll work across our Exeter, NH and Burlington, MA facilities, contributing to the development and deployment of automated systems that are central to our mission of building a sustainable critical metals supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and testing of PLC-based automation systems (primarily Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix)
• Support HMI design and implementation using Ignition for monitoring and control of pilot-scale processing systems
• Help configure and wire control panels, I/O systems, and instrumentation with guidance from senior engineers
• Work with process engineers to understand system needs and translate them into control logic and interface features
• Participate in troubleshooting control issues on lab and pilot systems across both sites
• Develop and maintain documentation such as I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and control narratives
• Learn and apply industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA)
• Help test and validate control systems through simulations and on-site commissioning
• Ensure work complies with internal safety protocols and applicable electrical/control standards

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• 0–3 years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial systems (internship/co-op experience welcome)
• Familiarity with PLCs (especially Allen-Bradley platforms) and ladder logic or structured text programming
• Exposure to HMI or SCADA systems (Ignition experience is a strong plus)
• Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, and control panel components
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics
• Hands-on aptitude and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, R&D-driven environment
• Willingness to work across both Burlington and Exeter sites as needed
• Strong curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and motivation to build real-world systems that make a difference

Benefits:

• Healthcare, we care about you and your family:100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Stock:Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
• Family Focus:Parental leave and flexibility for families.
• Time Off:Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
• Team Fun:Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
• Learning:Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
• Great team:Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
• Flexible culture:We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.

Open Culture

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).