4.6. Principal Recycling & Sustainability Engineer

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Principal Recycling & Sustainability Engineer in Burlington, MA, to lead zero-waste and carbon capture initiatives in metal refining and recycling. Responsibilities include developing recycling strategies, optimizing closed-loop systems, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and mentoring staff. Candidates should have a relevant degree, 10+ years of experience in industrial recycling, and expertise in emissions reduction and sustainability processes.
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:

Who We Are Looking For:

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Principal Recycling & Sustainability Engineer to lead zero-waste, carbon capture, and sustainable resource utilization initiatives in our metal refining and recycling operations. This role will focus on optimizing material recovery, minimizing waste streams, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in industrial recycling, emissions reduction, and circular economy integration.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement advanced recycling strategies to maximize material recovery and reduce waste.
• Optimize closed-loop recycling systems to ensure full byproduct reuse and minimal environmental impact.
• Integrate carbon capture and emissions reduction technologies into refining and recycling processes.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments (LCA, carbon footprint analysis) to drive sustainability improvements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA, RCRA) and manage reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to embed sustainability into process design.
• Identify and implement innovative recycling technologies, including alternative energy and industrial water recycling.
• Mentor and train engineers and operators on best practices in recycling, waste management, and sustainability.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial recycling, waste reduction, or circular economy strategies, preferably in the metals industry.
• Expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA), emissions reduction, and sustainable process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with carbon capture, material recovery, and alternative energy solutions.

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).