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Tailings Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Tailings

9.5. R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production ... Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors ...

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How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for tailings operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Tailings Operator and how does this role contribute to overall site safety?

Tailings Operators are responsible for monitoring and managing the flow and storage of tailings—residual materials left after the extraction of minerals in mining operations. On a daily basis, they inspect pipelines, pumps, and containment areas, conduct sampling, log data, and ensure all equipment is functioning safely and efficiently. Their role is crucial to maintaining environmental compliance and site safety, as they proactively identify and address potential leaks or failures in the tailings management system. Collaboration with environmental engineers and other operations staff is common, ensuring that best practices are upheld and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

What are tailings operators?

Tailings operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating tailings storage facilities at mining sites. They oversee the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of tailings, which are the waste materials left after the extraction of minerals. Their work includes monitoring equipment, inspecting containment structures, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and responding to emergencies. Tailings operators play a critical role in minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the safety of mine operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tailings Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tailings Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, environmental regulations, and tailings management processes, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with heavy equipment, tailings monitoring systems, and safety certifications such as MSHA or WHMIS is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of tailings storage facilities.

What is the difference between Tailings Operator vs Mine Technician?

AspectTailings OperatorMine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, tailings pondsMining sites, processing facilities
Employer & IndustryMining companies, mineral processingMining companies, mineral extraction

While both roles work within the mining industry, a Tailings Operator primarily manages tailings ponds and processing operations, focusing on waste material handling. A Mine Technician supports various technical tasks on-site, including equipment maintenance and safety checks. The roles share similar certifications and work environments but differ in specific responsibilities and focus areas.

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What states have the most Tailings Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tailings Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tailings Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tailings Operator jobs are:
Tailings Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tailings Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
9.5. R&D Engineer

9.5. R&D Engineer

Phoenix Tailings

Woburn, MA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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—unlocking the materials required for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing while eliminating waste and emissions from mining. 
 
Why Phoenix Tailings 
At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. You’ll be joining a team building the foundational infrastructure for the modern world, developing entirely new ways to produce rare earth and critical metals domestically, cleanly, and at scale. 
 
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 an R&D Engineer to support the development and optimization of electrochemical systems that enable cleaner, more efficient production of critical metals. This role is for a hands-on engineer who can run experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and help translate lab-scale electrochemical work into practical process improvements. You will help advance the technology Phoenix Tailings is building to produce the critical materials needed for the modern world. 

 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, execute, and document electrochemical experiments focused on critical metals recovery, refining, and production. 
  • Operate and troubleshoot electrochemical cells, test stands, power supplies, potentiostats, pumps, sensors, and related laboratory equipment. 
  • Support process development work across cell design, electrolyte composition, electrode materials, operating conditions, current efficiency, voltage efficiency, and product quality.  
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify trends, performance limits, failure modes, and process improvement opportunities. 
  • Prepare samples, electrodes, electrolytes, and test materials for electrochemical experiments and analytical characterization.  
  • Characterize electrochemical system performance using methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, linear sweep voltammetry, and related techniques.  
  • Help scale experimental setups from bench-scale tests toward larger, more reliable systems that support Phoenix Tailings’ clean metals production platform.  
  • Maintain clear experimental records, data summaries, test reports, and recommendations that support R&D decision-making.  
Qualifications:
  • BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems, chemical process development, laboratory testing, metals processing, batteries, fuel cells, electrodeposition, corrosion, or related applied R&D work.  
  • Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors, pumps, power supplies, or electrochemical instrumentation. 
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices.  
  • Ability to work with chemical systems, electrolytes, metals, electrodes, and process equipment in a hands-on R&D environment.  
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
  • Comfort working in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities evolve and hands-on problem solving is essential. 
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- $110,000 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.