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Tailings Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... This engineer will lead the design, testing, and deployment of electrical power and instrumentation ...

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... This engineer will lead the design, testing, and deployment of electrical power and instrumentation ...

7.2. Controls Engineer II

Burlington, MA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Controls Engineer II to help design, build, and scale the ...

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Tailings Engineer information

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$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do tailings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for tailings engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Tailings Engineers in their day-to-day work?

Tailings Engineers frequently deal with the complexities of designing and maintaining safe tailings storage facilities while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental and safety regulations. They often need to address unexpected issues such as changes in weather, geotechnical instability, or rapid operational expansions, requiring quick problem-solving and adaptive thinking. Coordinating with mining operations, environmental specialists, and regulators adds another layer of complexity to project management. Despite these challenges, the role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental stewardship and workplace safety in the mining industry.

What is a Tailings Engineer job?

A Tailings Engineer is responsible for the design, management, and monitoring of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. They assess geotechnical stability, water balance, and potential environmental impacts while working closely with mine operations, geologists, and environmental teams. Their role includes developing tailings management plans, conducting risk assessments, and implementing best practices for sustainable waste disposal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tailings Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tailings Engineer, you need a strong background in civil, geotechnical, or mining engineering, typically with a relevant degree and experience in mine waste management. Familiarity with engineering design software (such as AutoCAD, GeoStudio, or FLAC), knowledge of regulatory guidelines, and, in some regions, professional engineering certification are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and effective communication skills are essential for overseeing projects and engaging with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, environmentally responsible management of tailings facilities and regulatory compliance.

More about Tailings Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Tailings Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Tailings Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tailings Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Tailings Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Tailings Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tailings Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tailings Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
8.4. Production Engineer II - Burlington

8.4. Production Engineer II - Burlington

Phoenix Tailings

Burlington, MA

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

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 looking for a hands-on Production Engineer II with a background in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering to join our R&D and Pilot Production team. In this role, you will play a critical part in scaling up the future of clean critical metal production. You’ll work directly on the pilot production floor, helping to optimize early-stage technologies, validate new processes, and drive the transition from lab-scale innovations to scalable industrial systems. Your work will directly impact the development of sustainable pathways for rare earth metals manufacturing—one of the foundational infrastructures of tomorrow’s technology.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate, monitor, and improve pilot-scale equipment used in critical metal refining and materials processing
  • Execute and support experimental production runs, capturing data to validate and optimize new processes
  • Perform mechanical and process troubleshooting on custom-built and commercial equipment
  • Track and analyze key process metrics to drive performance improvements in yield, throughput, and stability
  • Support equipment setup, calibration, and transitions between R&D and production runs
  • Collaborate with R&D, Process Engineering, and Operations to translate process designs into practical pilot workflows
  • Maintain accurate production logs and technical documentation to support process knowledge transfer
  • Drive implementation of process improvements to enhance safety, scalability, and reproducibility
  • Ensure rigorous adherence to safety protocols and foster a proactive safety culture on the floor
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • 2–4 years of experience in a hands-on production, pilot plant, or R&D manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and improve complex mechanical and chemical systems
  • Strong data collection and analysis skills to support process development and optimization
  • Experience with early-stage or pilot-scale industrial equipment is a strong plus
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, 24/7 facility with rotating shifts (including occasional nights/weekends)
  • Excellent communication skills, self-starting mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $90,000- $130,000 total cash compensation plus equity
  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
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). 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.