9.5. R&D Engineer

Phoenixtailings; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings is seeking an R&D Engineer to develop and optimize electrochemical systems for cleaner metals production. You will run hands-on experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and translate lab-scale work into scalable process improvements.

The role requires working with electrode materials, electrolytes, and test platforms in a fast-moving startup environment. Competitive compensation and equity are offered.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and lab testing.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting lab equipment and test systems.
• Strong data analysis and experimental design skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Python, MATLAB, JMP, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and document electrochemical experiments focused on metals recovery and production.
• Operate and troubleshoot electrochemical cells, test stands, power supplies, potentiostats, pumps, sensors, and related lab equipment.
• Support process development across cell design, electrolyte composition, electrode materials, operating conditions, efficiencies and product quality.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, limits, failure modes, and improvements.
• Prepare samples, electrodes, electrolytes, and test materials for experiments and characterization.
• Characterize system performance using CV, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, LSV, and related methods.
• Scale bench-scale experiments toward larger, more reliable systems.
• Maintain clear experimental records, data summaries, test reports, and recommendations.

Skills

electrochemical systems

data analysis

lab equipment troubleshooting

Excel

Python

MATLAB

Education

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

Potentiostats

Cyclic voltammetry equipment

JMP/Minitab

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—unlocking the materials required for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing while eliminating waste and emissions from mining.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another.

foundational infrastructure for the modern world

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 an R&D Engineer to support the development and optimization of electrochemical systems that enable cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role is for a hands‑on engineer who can run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and help translate lab‑scale electrochemical work into practical process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and document electrochemical experiments focused on critical metals recovery, refining, and production.
• Operate and troubleshoot electrochemical cells, test stands, power supplies, potentiostats, pumps, sensors, and related laboratory equipment.
• Support process development work across cell design, electrolyte composition, electrode materials, operating conditions, current efficiency, voltage efficiency, and product quality.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify trends, performance limits, failure modes, and process improvement opportunities.
• Prepare samples, electrodes, electrolytes, and test materials for electrochemical experiments and analytical characterization.
• Characterize electrochemical system performance using methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, linear sweep voltammetry, and related techniques.
• Help scale experimental setups from bench‑scale tests toward larger, more reliable systems that support Phoenix Tailings’ clean metals production platform.
• Maintain clear experimental records, data summaries, test reports, and recommendations that support R&D decision‑making.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands‑on experience with electrochemical systems, chemical process development, laboratory testing, metals processing, batteries, fuel cells, electrodeposition, corrosion, or related applied R&D work.
• Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors, pumps, power supplies, or electrochemical instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices.
• Ability to work with chemical systems, electrolytes, metals, electrodes, and process equipment in a hands‑on R&D environment.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
• Comfort working in a fast‑moving startup environment where priorities evolve and hands‑on problem solving is essential.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $90,000–$110,000 total cash compensation plus equity.

• Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast‑growing venture‑backed company.
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
• Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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).