Plant Operator

Cyclic Materials Inc.; Arizona; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental coverage

401K contributions

Generous paid time off program

Job summary

Cyclic Materials Inc. is seeking qualified candidates for roles of Machine Operator and Material Handler in Arizona. The selected candidates will focus on operating machinery, adhering to safety protocols, and ensuring efficient production processes.

Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma and experience in industrial environments. Competitive compensation and an inclusive workplace culture are offered. Join us to contribute to a sustainable circular economy for critical materials.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment such as mining, quarry, or steel smelter.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to become forklift operator certified.

Responsibilities

• Operate safety equipment and follow company safety procedures.
• Load and unload materials from machines and conveyors.
• Inspect materials and sort items into designated containers.

Skills

Heavy Machine Operation or Metals Recycling

Strong problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Cyclic Materials is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary MagCycle and REEPure processes, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high purity materials used in the production of permanent magnets. These materials are critical to the modern economy, including the production of electric vehicles, electronics, AI infrastructure, wind turbines, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly progressed from technology development to commercialization. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with a new expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by US$75 million in Series C financing led by T. Rowe Price, alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable rare earth supply.

We have established commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real world supply chains. In 2025, Cyclic Materials was named one of the Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Technology Review.

We are growing quickly and building the industrial backbone required for a circular rare earth economy. Joining Cyclic Materials means working on complex and exciting challenges at scale, alongside a team committed to executing and delivering measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.

The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues with machinery. The equipment used in heavy-industrial environments, including welding, rigging, heavy lifts, bearings, and industrial machinery.

As Cyclic Materials continues to grow, we have an increasing number of career opportunities available at our Arizona location.

Job Roles

• Machine Operator
• Material Handler

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment such as : mining, quarry, steel smelter, scrap yard
• Heavy Machine Operation or Metals Recycling required
• High school diploma or equivalent (technical training is a plus).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and equipment maintenance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, physically demanding environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.
• Willingness and ability to become forklift operator certified.

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Operate safety equipment and consistently follow safe work habits and company safety procedures.
• Operate machinery used in the production process and assist machine operators as required.
• Inspect incoming and processed materials and sort items into designated piles, bins, containers, or barrels according to type, size, condition, color, markings, or other characteristics.
• Load and unload materials from machines, conveyors, and other processing equipment.
• Clean, inspect, and lubricate equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Sweep, shovel, and remove residual waste and debris generated during processing activities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors or management.

Enhanced Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand for extended periods and use hands to handle, feel, and manipulate materials and equipment.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, and communicate effectively.
• Occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift heavier materials with appropriate assistance or equipment.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, and other environmental conditions.
• Ability to work safely in a loud industrial environment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must successfully pass a background check, physical examination, and random drug testing can occur on suspicion. All pre‑employment requirements are at the cost of the employer.

Working Conditions

• This position will be expected to work in a plant environment with exposure to loud noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• The job may involve shift work, weekend shifts, or on‑call availability depending on operational needs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety glasses, and steel‑toed boots is mandatory.

Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials

• At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
• We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP (Canada)/ 401K (USA) contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
• We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions

The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.

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).

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Cyclic Materials Inc.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.