4.1 R&D Technician

Phoenix Tailings; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly-growing startup in clean mining seeks an R&D Technician with a background in chemical engineering. The role involves analyzing materials and maintaining lab instrumentation to support sustainable metal production. Join a team focused on innovation and making a positive impact in the industry.

Benefits

100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock ownership

Flexible vacation policy

Parental leave and family flexibility

Regular team events and celebrations

Learning and development opportunities

Results-focused work culture

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in laboratory settings.
• Hands-on with ICP-OES, XRD, or SEM-EDS.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze samples using various instrumentation.
• Support R&D engineers by running controlled experiments.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Materials Characterization

Data Management

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science

Tools

ICP-OES

XRD

SEM-EDS

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 hands-on and highly analytical R&D Technician with a background in chemical engineering to support the development of our next-generation clean metal production technologies. You will play a critical role in characterizing materials across multiple stages of the process, maintaining lab instrumentation, and executing precise experiments that feed directly into our R&D and production strategies. Your work will help uncover the insights necessary to refine our processes and ensure high-quality metal outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze samples using a variety of instrumentation, including ICP-OES, XRD, TGA, IGA, and SEM-EDS
• Support R&D engineers by running controlled experiments, gathering data, and reporting outcomes with scientific rigor
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation and consistent performance
• Log and interpret data in collaboration with engineers to inform process development and optimization
• Conduct materials characterization on raw inputs, intermediates, and final metal products
• Follow detailed SOPs and assist in their development and continuous improvement
• Support safety and cleanliness in the lab by adhering to chemical handling protocols and lab housekeeping standards
• Contribute to inventory management for lab consumables and chemical reagents

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S.in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• 1–3 years of experience in a research or analytical laboratory setting (industry or academic)
• Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: ICP-OES, XRD, TGA, IGA, SEM-EDS
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and materials characterization techniques
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in data recording and sample management
• Comfortable working independently and in cross-functional R&D teams
• Passion for sustainable innovation and contributing to groundbreaking materials research

Exceptional project management skills, with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary initiatives. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• 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).