Plant Metallurgist

About Cyclic Materials

Cyclic Materials is reshaping the future of critical material recovery through sustainable rare earth element recycling. We are a fast-growing startup driven by innovation, purpose, and a passion for solving some of the world’s toughest materials challenges. Our team values collaboration, experimentation, and impact. If you're energized by hands-on problem solving and want to help build a cleaner, circular economy—we want to hear from you.

Position Overview

As a Plant Metallurgist, you will play a key technical role in monitoring, optimizing, and improving the performance of our hydrometallurgical recycling plant. Working at the interface of operations and process engineering, you'll support plant performance, troubleshoot process upsets, and drive continuous improvement in the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs). This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in hydrometallurgy and an interest in sustainable, innovative materials processing.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

• Design, evaluate, and improve hydrometallurgical circuits (e.g., leaching, impurity removal, solid-liquid separation, precipitation) for REE recovery.
• Monitor process parameters, yields, and product quality to ensure optimal efficiency and target recoveries.
• Analyze process bottlenecks and recommend/implement improvements to enhance throughput, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
  
  

Plant Operations Support

• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot process upsets and equipment failures.
• Develop and refine SOPs, operating envelopes, and control strategies for consistent plant operation
• Train and mentor operators and technicians on process chemistry and best practices.
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct metallurgical accounting, mass balances, and reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate process logs and generate technical reports and performance dashboards.
• Support environmental, health, and safety compliance through proper waste, effluent, and emissions management.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

• Drive circular economy principles through efficient recovery and reuse of critical materials.
• Identify opportunities to reduce water, energy, and reagent consumption across hydrometallurgical operations.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to scale and enhance Cyclic’s core technologies.
  
  

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in a plant metallurgist or process engineering role in hydrometallurgy or chemical processing.
• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical, Chemical, or Materials Engineering (or a related field).
• Solid understanding of hydrometallurgical unit operations and process chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with process monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization in a plant environment.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and data analysis.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental best practices.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative startup setting.
• Professional engineering (P.Eng) designation or eligibility is an asset.
  
  

What We Offer

• A purpose-driven company at the forefront of critical materials recovery and sustainability.
• A collaborative, growth-oriented culture where your ideas and contributions matter.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and full-scale plant operations.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Opportunities for advancement and learning as the company scales.
  
  

Working Conditions

• This position may require working in outdoor or indoor environments, with exposure to noise, dust, and varying weather conditions.
• The job may involve shift work, weekend shifts, or on-call availability depending on operational needs.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times.
  
  

Learn More About Cyclic Materials Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEf6tR-TmAc

An Equal Opportunity employer, at Cyclic Materials, equality is a core tenet of our culture. We are committed to building an inclusive global team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. The more diverse we are, the richer our community and the broader our impact.



Applicants for employment in the Canada and US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States or Canada and with Cyclic Materials (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa or any other non-immigrant status).

Only Qualified Candidates will be contacted.