1.2. Lead Controls and Instrumentation Engineer
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Jun 22, 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 looking for a Lead Controls and Instrumentation Engineer who brings the depth and versatility of a principal-level engineer. You will be responsible for building and scaling the automation systems that drive our cutting-edge clean metal production technologies. This role requires a hands-on expert who thrives in both high-level systems architecture and practical implementation—someone who can design end-to-end control strategies and isn’t afraid to dive into the details to make them work on the ground. Your work will directly impact the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of the world’s first truly clean metallurgical systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Architect and implement control systems across pilot and full-scale facilities, ensuring performance, safety, and scalability
- Design and program Allen Bradley PLCs and HMI (Ignition) to manage complex, multi-variable process operations
- Specify, install, and integrate process instrumentation for temperature, pressure, flow, level, and chemical monitoring
- Develop and refine closed-loop control strategies for electrochemical, thermal, and fluid-based systems
- Lead field commissioning, loop checks, and validation testing for integrated automation systems
- Conduct root-cause analysis of system failures and implement durable, data-driven solutions
- Define standards for controls and instrumentation across the company, including documentation, protocols, and best practices
- Serve as a technical mentor and thought leader in the broader engineering team, guiding automation architecture and design philosophy
Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and instrumentation, preferably in heavy industry, energy, or chemical processing
- Advanced proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley) and industrial HMI (Ignition) platforms
- Deep knowledge of industrial instrumentation selection, integration, and calibration
- Strong command of industrial protocols and communication systems (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, etc.)
- Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning
- Comfortable working across both design-level engineering and hands-on field implementation
- Passion for sustainable technologies and a desire to build systems that redefine industrial impact
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).
