3.1 Principal Controls Engineer
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Mar 27, 2025
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 seeking a Principal Controls Engineer to lead the development and deployment of control systems and instrumentation across our unique metals production processes. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on designing and implementing robust, scalable systems from scratch in a high-growth, high-impact environment. You’ll be instrumental in shaping our automation strategy and working closely with engineering, operations, and R&D.
As a Principal Engineer, you will oversee the specification, installation, maintenance, and upgrading of instruments and controls that enable the efficient and safe operation of our processes. Candidates with specialized expertise in instrumentation for chemical processes are highly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement control system architectures including PLCs (Allen-Bradley), HMI, SCADA (Ignition), and instrumentation for new processes
- Specify, install, and commission control and instrumentation hardware in high-temperature and chemical process environments
- Lead system troubleshooting, upgrades, and continuous improvements to ensure optimal reliability and scalability
- Mentor and guide engineers while building out the internal controls and instrumentation team
- Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration with process and production needs
- Manage complex projects from concept to execution, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with company goals
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical, Controls, or Systems Engineering
- 10+ years of experience designing and managing industrial control systems, preferably in metals, chemical, or high-temperature environments
- Deep expertise in PLCs (Allen-Bradley preferred), HMI (Ignition preferred) SCADA, and process instrumentation
- Hands-on experience with system commissioning, calibration, and troubleshooting
- Strong leadership and project execution skills in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following 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).
