9.5. R&D Engineer

Phoenix Tailings

$90K — $110K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in relevant engineering or science field.
  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and related R&D.
  • Familiarity with operating laboratory equipment and electrochemical instrumentation.
  • Strong fundamentals in engineering, experimental design, and data analysis.
  • Experience with chemical systems and metals in an R&D context.
  • Proficiency in data analysis software like Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic startup environment.

Responsibilities

  • Design and document experimental electrochemistry for metal recovery.
  • Operate and troubleshoot various laboratory electrochemical equipment.
  • Support development of cell design and electrolyte processes.
  • Analyze and interpret data for performance and improvement insights.
  • Prepare materials and samples for electrochemical testing.
  • Characterize systems using voltammetry and other analytical techniques.
  • Scale experimental setups for larger clean metal production systems.

Benefits

  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
  • Stock options offering ownership in a growing venture-backed company.
  • Unlimited paid time off to promote work-life balance.
  • Opportunities for learning and professional development.
Full Job Description
Who We Are Looking For:

Phoenix Tailings is looking for an R&D Engineer to support the development and optimization of electrochemical systems that enable cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role is for a hands-on engineer who can run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and help translate lab-scale electrochemical work into practical process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, execute, and document electrochemical experiments focused on critical metals recovery, refining, and production.
  • Operate and troubleshoot electrochemical cells, test stands, power supplies, potentiostats, pumps, sensors, and related laboratory equipment.
  • Support process development work across cell design, electrolyte composition, electrode materials, operating conditions, current efficiency, voltage efficiency, and product quality.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify trends, performance limits, failure modes, and process improvement opportunities.
  • Prepare samples, electrodes, electrolytes, and test materials for electrochemical experiments and analytical characterization.
  • Characterize electrochemical system performance using methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, linear sweep voltammetry, and related techniques.
  • Help scale experimental setups from bench-scale tests toward larger, more reliable systems that support Phoenix Tailings' clean metals production platform.
  • Maintain clear experimental records, data summaries, test reports, and recommendations that support R&D decision-making.


Qualifications:

  • BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems, chemical process development, laboratory testing, metals processing, batteries, fuel cells, electrodeposition, corrosion, or related applied R&D work.
  • Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors, pumps, power supplies, or electrochemical instrumentation.
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices.
  • Ability to work with chemical systems, electrolytes, metals, electrodes, and process equipment in a hands-on R&D environment.
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
  • Comfort working in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities evolve and hands-on problem solving is essential.


We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $90,000- $110,000 total cash compensation plus equity
  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.


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.

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