Principal Metallurgist

Cyclic Materials; Mesa (AZ); Hybrid; USD 124,077 - 160,571; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental coverage

RRSP contributions

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Cyclic Materials in Arizona is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead process development and optimization for their unique recycling methods. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of hydrometallurgical experience and be instrumental in supporting plant operations while mentoring junior staff.

This role demands strong leadership and communication skills, offering a competitive pay range of $170,000 - $220,000 CAD. Join us to help advance the circular economy.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of Hydrometallurgical experience.
• Experience in designing test programs.
• Experience as a plant metallurgist.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimization for recycling.
• Work with metallurgists to manage test work programs.
• Recommend enhancements for technical performance.

Skills

Hydrometallurgical experience

Designing test programs

Communication skills

Leadership in a dynamic environment

Safety commitment

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Metallurgical, Process, or Chemical Engineering

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.

Position Overview

At Cyclic Materials, we look for bright, ambitious, innovative team players who enjoy challenges and have a drive to produce results. As the Principal Metallurgist, you will oversee Cyclic Materials’ process deployment and optimization and mentor younger metallurgists. This role plays a critical role to support the development and implementation of our rare earth element recycling process. Your duties will encompass developing and overseeing metallurgical test work, lead the optimization of our process as we scale it, support multiple plant operations and work with our Strategic Partnerships team to ensure products and byproducts meet client specifications. You will be based out of our Toronto, Ontario office, with occasional travel required. You will report to the VP of Engineering. When not traveling, this cohesive team works 3-4 days‑per‑week in‑person in the office.

What you will be doing:

• Lead process development and optimization for Cyclic Materials recycling process.
• Work with plant metallurgists to develop and manage lab test work programs to support plant optimization.
• Recommend and initiate enhancements to achieve improved technical and environmental performance.
• Own and report metallurgical performance of commercial plants reporting on metallurgical KPIs.
• Interface with plant metallurgists to support the installation, commissioning, and operation of all Cyclic Materials’ plants.
• Manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

What do you need to succeed:

• 20+ years of Hydrometallurgical experience
• Experience in designing test programs
• Experience at an chemical plant as a plant metallurgist.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in the context of a respectful, inclusive, and service‑minded style.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Drive to initiate meaningful work based on experience and insights.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic Startup environment, contributing outside of specific responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical, Process, or Chemical Engineering with P. Eng designation

Pay Range: $170,000 CAD - $220,000 CAD

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 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).

To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.