3.2. Principal Mechanical Engineer

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 seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer who will take a lead role in the detailed design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems for our molten salt electrolysis cell. This is a hands-on position where you will be directly responsible for creating CAD designs, technical schematics, and overseeing the mechanical integration of systems critical to clean metals production.

We are looking for someone with deep technical expertise, particularly in designing high-temperature systems, who is ready to bring tactical and innovative solutions to life. A strong commitment to Phoenix Tailings’ zero waste philosophy is essential, ensuring the system design aligns with sustainable and waste-free production principles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop mechanical systems: Create detailed CAD designs and technical schematics for the molten salt electrolysis cell and related high-temperature systems.
• Develop and refine system layouts: Generate and optimize equipment layouts, piping designs, and integration plans for the molten salt electrolysis process.
• Perform mechanical analysis: Conduct detailed mechanical stress and thermal analyses to ensure system reliability and longevity under high-temperature operating conditions.
• Create technical documentation: Produce comprehensive mechanical design documentation, including schematics, material specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with R&D, operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet operational requirements and production scalability.
• Lead prototyping and testing: Oversee the fabrication, installation, and testing of mechanical components, ensuring they meet design specifications and performance standards.
• Iterate and improve designs: Continuously improve designs based on testing results, operational feedback, and system performance.
• Zero waste design philosophy: Ensure that the system is designed with Phoenix Tailings' zero waste philosophy in mind, optimizing for sustainability and minimal waste production.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Expertise in CAD software and technical schematic creation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical stress analysis and thermal properties in high-temperature environments.
• Proven experience in designing systems for electrochemical processes or heavy industrial systems.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

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 & 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. 

Phoenix Tailings is committed to empowering future leaders, and we strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the future of clean energy and metals production.

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).