8.1. R&D & Pilot Production Manager

Phoenix Tailings • Burlington, MA

3d • $110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Production Engineering Manager to run and continuously evolve our pilot production facility in Burlington. This role is responsible for translating R&D breakthroughs into repeatable, operable, and scalable pilot processes, spanning metallization, rare earth separation, and integrated unit operations.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in R&D-to-production environments, where processes are still being invented, data is imperfect, and speed matters.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in production engineering, process engineering, or pilot plant operations
• Direct experience operating and scaling R&D or pilot production facilities (not just steady-state manufacturing)
• Hands-on experience with metallurgical, chemical, or materials processing systems
• Background in rare earth processing, metallization, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or adjacent fields
• Proven ability to run experimental production systems where processes are still evolving
• Strong understanding of process safety, equipment commissioning, and pilot-scale operations
• Ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, facilities, and leadership in a fast-moving startup environment

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operation of Phoenix Tailings’ pilot production facility, including metallization and rare earth separation processes
• Lead pilot-scale execution of new process flows developed by R&D, ensuring safe, repeatable operation
• Translate laboratory and bench-scale work into pilot-ready operating procedures and equipment configurations
• Drive continuous improvement of pilot processes to increase yield, throughput, and reliability
• Manage pilot production schedules, material flows, and experimental campaigns
• Partner directly with R&D to design, run, and analyze pilot trials that inform scale-up decisions
• Establish and refine SOPs, process controls, and documentation for evolving pilot systems
• Ensure safe operation of chemical, thermal, and metallurgical systems in a dynamic pilot environment

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed