Controls Engineer I
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 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.