Phoenix Tailings · 3 days ago
Senior Controls Engineer
Burlington, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $160K/yr
6+ years expPhoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. They are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems for their rare earth and critical metals processing technologies across multiple sites.
Advanced MaterialsCleanTechIndustrialManufacturingMiningSustainabilityWaste Management
Responsibilities
Architect, program, and deploy PLC-based control systems for rare earth extraction and metallization units
Lead design and development of HMIs using Inductive Automation's Ignition platform for real-time system visibility and operator control
Define control logic, interlocks, and alarm strategies for new unit operations and pilot lines
Specify, configure, and commission control hardware (PLCs, VFDs, sensors, I/O modules, safety devices)
Collaborate closely with process and electrical engineers to ensure seamless integration of control systems with mechanical and chemical processes
Develop detailed documentation including control narratives, I/O lists, network diagrams, and test procedures
Troubleshoot and resolve system issues in real-time, both in development and production environments
Ensure control systems are developed in accordance with relevant industry standards (ISA, NFPA 70, UL, etc.)
Support development of standardized, scalable automation solutions for future commercial deployment
Mentor junior engineers and technicians on automation best practices and controls engineering principles
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field
6+ years of experience designing, programming, and deploying industrial control systems
Expertise in Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) including ladder logic and structured text programming
Hands-on experience with Ignition HMI development and deployment
Proficiency in designing control architectures and writing detailed control documentation
Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA)
Familiarity with integrating sensors, actuators, and instrumentation into automated systems
Experience with safety system design and risk mitigation (SIL ratings, interlocks, e-stops, etc.)
Ability to lead control system development projects from concept through commissioning
Willingness to work on-site at both Burlington and Exeter locations as needed
Passion for sustainability, automation, and building the foundational infrastructure for a cleaner future
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.
Company
Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a metals-refining company that transforms mining waste (“tailings”) into usable rare earth and critical metals.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Phoenix Tailings has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (3)
2023 (1)
2022 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$104.24MKey Investors
ARPA-EEnvisioning PartnersMassVentures
2025-12-25Series B
2025-12-04Grant· $1.6M
2025-04-30Series B· $33M
Leadership Team
Nicholas Myers
CEO & Co-Founder
Anthony Balladon
Chief Commercial Officer & Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-12-30
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase