Principal Metallurgist

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

At Cyclic Materials, we look for bright, ambitious, innovative team players who enjoy challenges and have a drive to produce results. As the Principal Metallurgist, you will oversee Cyclic Materials’ process deployment and optimization and mentor younger metallurgists. This role plays a critical role to support the development and implementation of our rare earth element recycling process. Your duties will encompass developing and overseeing metallurgical test work, lead the optimization of our process as we scale it, support multiple plant operations and work with our Strategic Partnerships team to ensure products and byproducts meet client specifications. You will be based out of our Toronto, Ontario office, with occasional travel required. You will report to the VP of Engineering. When not traveling, this cohesive team works 3-4 days-per-week in-person in the office.

What you will be doing:

• Lead process development and optimization for Cyclic Materials recycling process.
• Work with plant metallurgists to develop and manage lab test work programs to support plant optimization.
• Recommend and initiate enhancements to achieve improved technical and environmental performance.
• Own and report metallurgical performance of commercial plants reporting on metallurgical KPIs.
• Interface with plant metallurgists to support the installation, commissioning, and operation of all Cyclic Materials’ plants.
• Manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

What do you need to succeed:

• 20+ years of Hydrometallurgical experience
• Experience in designing test programs
• Experience at an chemical plant as a plant metallurgist.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in the context of a respectful, inclusive, and service-minded style.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Drive to initiate meaningful work based on experience and insights.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic Startup environment, contributing outside of specific responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical, Process, or Chemical Engineering with P. Eng designation

Pay Range

$170,000—$220,000 CAD

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 [email protected]. 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.