Controls Engineer I

Remote, USA
Posted Jun 13, 2026
Full-time

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. They are seeking a Controls Engineer I to work hands-on with real hardware and software to help automate the next generation of rare earth and critical metals processing across their Exeter and Burlington facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the development and testing of PLC-based automation systems (primarily Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix)
  • Support HMI design and implementation using Ignition for monitoring and control of pilot-scale processing systems
  • Help configure and wire control panels, I/O systems, and instrumentation with guidance from senior engineers
  • Work with process engineers to understand system needs and translate them into control logic and interface features
  • Participate in troubleshooting control issues on lab and pilot systems across both sites
  • Develop and maintain documentation such as I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and control narratives
  • Learn and apply industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA)
  • Help test and validate control systems through simulations and on-site commissioning
  • Ensure work complies with internal safety protocols and applicable electrical/control standards

Skills

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • 0–3 years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial systems (internship/co-op experience welcome)
  • Familiarity with PLCs (especially Allen-Bradley platforms) and ladder logic or structured text programming
  • Exposure to HMI or SCADA systems (Ignition experience is a strong plus)
  • Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, and control panel components
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics
  • Hands-on aptitude and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, R&D-driven environment
  • Willingness to work across both Burlington and Exeter sites as needed
  • Strong curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and motivation to build real-world systems that make a difference

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 Overview

  • Phoenix Tailings is a metals-refining company that transforms mining waste (“tailings”) into usable rare earth and critical metals. It was founded in 2019, and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is https://www.phoenixtailings.com.

  • Company H1B Sponsorship

  • Phoenix Tailings has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 1 in 2025, 3 in 2024, 1 in 2023, 1 in 2022. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.

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