7.4. Materials Engineer - Leadership Development Program
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Jun 18, 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, 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 driven, innovative Materials Engineer for the 2nd cohort of our Leadership Development Program (LDP). This intensive program is designed for individuals ready to immerse themselves in the development of advanced materials, push their personal limits, and build the foundation for future leadership within the company. Success in this program will require dedication, a willingness to work long days and adapt to any shift the company needs, and the flexibility to step outside of traditional job descriptions to support critical projects.
This program is not for everyone, but for those who want to challenge themselves, lead the future of clean metals production, and leave their mark on the world, Phoenix Tailings offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and qualify materials feedstocks, and byproducts for use in rare earth separation and metallization systems — including ceramics, refractories, and metals
- Lead hands-on experimentation with novel material compositions, heat treatments, and processing methods
- Participate in pilot and commercial-scale operations, gathering empirical data on material performance and failure modes under real-world operating conditions
- Analyze material structure-property relationships using tools such as SEM, XRD, or DSC
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of developed materials
- Collaborate with mechanical, chemical, and process engineers to align material selection with thermal, structural, and chemical performance requirements.
- Generate data-driven recommendations to improve yield, durability, and sustainability of engineered materials
- Get hands-on in the lab and on the floor — run tests, prep samples, troubleshoot equipment, and adapt as challenges emerge
- Grow into a future leader by taking ownership of technical decisions, solving critical problems, and contributing to our long-term scaling strategy
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and microstructural behavior
- Hands-on experience with material testing and characterization techniques
- Background in metals, ceramics, or refractory materials is highly desirable
- Demonstrated ability to drive experiments from concept through analysis and iteration – especially under time or resource constraints.
- High level of curiosity, adaptability, and desire to build world-first technologies
- Willingness to work long hours and take on responsibilities outside a traditional job description
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).
