Process Engineer
Cyclic Materials is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our fully integrated proprietary technology platform, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high-purity materials used to produce new permanent magnets. These magnets are critical to the modern economy, underpinning AI, automotive, e-mobility, electronics, semiconductor, energy, defense, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly become a category leader in rare earth recovery, achieving commercial operations in less than five years. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with further expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by investment accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling quickly and building the industrial backbone required to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable supply of rare earths.
We have established an extensive and growing network of commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the rapid deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real-world supply chains. Joining Cyclic Materials means tackling complex and exciting challenges at scale alongside a team committed to strong execution and measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.
Position Overview
Cyclic Materials is seeking a Process Engineer to support the development, commissioning, and optimization of our Arizona Spoke Plant. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a strategic growth initiative, helping scale innovative rare earth recycling technology while contributing to plant performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
What You Will Be Doing
- Lead detailed process engineering activities supporting the Arizona facility with the goal of optimizing metal recoveries, minimizing impurities, and maximizing profitability.
- Develop operating philosophies and control strategies for a variety of feedstocks.
- Develop feedstock recipes to maximize recovered metal performance.
- Work with off takers, including Hub facilities, on relevant Spoke product issues.
- Collaborate with the Process Technology team to understand MagCycle performance across various feedstocks and participate in initiatives to maximize steel and magnet separation.
- Develop and maintain mass and energy balance models using process simulation software such as SysCAD, METSIM, or IDEAS.
- Participate in HAZID, HAZOP, and other process safety reviews.
- Conduct trade-off studies and evaluate process alternatives, including CAPEX and OPEX assessments.
- Prepare operating cost estimates and support economic evaluations.
- Assist with equipment sizing, selection, and specification development.
- Evaluate and recommend materials of construction.
- Interface with equipment suppliers and external engineering partners.
- Analyze operational data to identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
- Support commissioning, startup, and ramp-up activities.
- Mentor and support operators as required.
- Identify opportunities for future process development and participate in future Spoke process design reviews.
- Participate in Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) investigations for process and equipment failures, identifying contributing factors and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Support reliability improvement initiatives through failure mode analysis, equipment performance reviews, and continuous improvement projects aimed at maximizing plant uptime and throughput.
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Operations, and Process Technology teams to evaluate equipment modifications, operating practices, and feedstock management strategies that enhance reliability and process performance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or eligible for registration.
- 3-7 years of process engineering experience in mineral processing and/or hydrometallurgical projects.
- Experience supporting metallurgical test work programs.
- Experience working with one or more of the following processes: ore comminution, physical separation, recycling, or scrap metal processing.
- Strong understanding of process design principles and plant operations.
- Previous plant operations experience is considered an asset.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Additional Requirements
- Eligible to work in the United States or able to obtain the necessary work authorization with company support, where applicable.
- Ability to travel between Canada and the United States as required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and thrive in a startup and commissioning environment.
Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials
- At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
- We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP (Canada)/ 401K (USA) contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
- We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions
The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Cyclic Materials is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed. If you require accommodation at any stage of the interview process, please email HumanResources@cyclicmaterials.earth. Applicants for roles in Canada or the United States must be authorized to work in the applicable country without current or future sponsorship from Cyclic Materials, including for an H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa, or any other non-immigrant status.
To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.