6.5. Controls Engineer II
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Aug 6, 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 looking for a Controls Engineer II to support the design, programming, and deployment of control systems that power our clean, next-generation metallurgy processes. This role will be key in bridging our R&D and operational teams—translating process needs into functional, safe, and scalable automation systems. Based across our Exeter, NH and Burlington, MA sites, this is a hands-on, growth-oriented opportunity to help build the electrical and control system backbone of the future of sustainable metals production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and maintain control systems for pilot and pre-commercial rare earth processing units
- Program PLCs (primarily Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix) to automate chemical and metallurgical processes
- Develop and deploy HMI interfaces using Ignition to support real-time process control, monitoring, and data collection
- Create I/O lists, PLC wiring schematics, and control narratives for new and existing systems
- Integrate field instrumentation and sensors with automation platforms using industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA)
- Assist in system commissioning, debugging, and ongoing process optimization across multiple sites
- Support the implementation of alarms, interlocks, and safety functions in accordance with internal standards and relevant codes
- Collaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to align automation strategies with system requirements
- Document system designs, configurations, and revisions for future scaling and maintenance
- Contribute to developing standard control system templates and architectures for rapid deployment
Qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
- 3–6 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or systems integration
- Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and associated development environments (Studio 5000)
- Hands-on experience developing HMIs using Ignition or comparable SCADA platforms
- Strong understanding of industrial control system architecture, I/O integration, and networked communication protocols
- Comfortable interpreting P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control narratives
- Practical knowledge of safety standards and best practices for industrial controls (NFPA 70E, UL508A, etc.)
- Proven troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Willingness to work across both Exeter and Burlington sites as needed
- Passion for building automation systems that support sustainable technology and scalable innovation
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).
