7.4. Senior Controls Engineer

Phoenix Tailings; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean mining and metals production startup based in Exeter, UK is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design and programming of automation systems for critical metals processing. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Ignition HMI. Responsibilities include creating control systems for operations and mentoring junior staff. The company offers competitive benefits, including healthcare and stock options, in a flexible working environment that promotes sustainability and innovation.

Benefits

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company

Parental leave and flexibility for families

Flexible vacation policy

Learning and development opportunities

Regularly scheduled team events and celebrations

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience designing, programming, and deploying industrial control systems.
• Expertise in Allen-Bradley PLC platforms including ladder logic and structured text programming.
• Experience with safety system design and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Architect, program, and deploy PLC-based control systems for rare earth extraction.
• Lead design and development of HMIs using Ignition platform.
• Define control logic, interlocks, and alarm strategies.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Ignition HMI

Industrial control systems

Control logic programming

Troubleshooting

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

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 Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems for our rare earth and critical metals processing technologies. This role is essential to enabling high-reliability, scalable operations across both R&D and pilot/commercial systems. You’ll work across our Exeter, NH and Burlington, MA sites to deliver intelligent, safe, and efficient control solutions that accelerate the availability of critical materials for clean technology. If you have deep experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, Ignition HMI, and industrial control system integration, this is a chance to apply your skills to one of the most important materials challenges of our time.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, program, and deploy PLC-based control systems for rare earth extraction and metallization units
• Lead design and development of HMIs using Inductive Automation's Ignition platform for real-time system visibility and operator control
• Define control logic, interlocks, and alarm strategies for new unit operations and pilot lines
• Specify, configure, and commission control hardware (PLCs, VFDs, sensors, I/O modules, safety devices)
• Collaborate closely with process and electrical engineers to ensure seamless integration of control systems with mechanical and chemical processes
• Develop detailed documentation including control narratives, I/O lists, network diagrams, and test procedures
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues in real-time, both in development and production environments
• Ensure control systems are developed in accordance with relevant industry standards (ISA, NFPA 70, UL, etc.)
• Support development of standardized, scalable automation solutions for future commercial deployment
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on automation best practices and controls engineering principles

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of experience designing, programming, and deploying industrial control systems
• Expertise in Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) including ladder logic and structured text programming
• Hands‑on experience with Ignition HMI development and deployment
• Proficiency in designing control architectures and writing detailed control documentation
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA)
• Familiarity with integrating sensors, actuators, and instrumentation into automated systems
• Experience with safety system design and risk mitigation (SIL ratings, interlocks, e‑stops, etc.)
• Ability to lead control system development projects from concept through commissioning
• Willingness to work on‑site at both Burlington and Exeter locations as needed
• Passion for sustainability, automation, and building the foundational infrastructure for a cleaner future

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.

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).