Metallization Scientist - Rare Earth Elements

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Scientist on the R & D team, you will focus on developing new approaches and sustainable recycling process steps for converting rare earth containing waste into valuable products. Your role will be dedicated to expanding Cyclic Materials’ capabilities, including work in metallization of REEs and supporting ongoing projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the development, optimization, and implementation of metallization processes for rare earth metals and alloys. This role plays a crucial part in advancing our capabilities in material science, particularly in the application of rare earth materials for electronic, aerospace, energy, and other high-performance industries. Most of your time will be spent in the lab performing experiments and characterizing products and raw materials. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Kingston, ON. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and is excited to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review of existing metallization technologies for rare earths and come up with new innovative ideas
• Design, develop, and optimize metallization techniques for rare earth elements and alloys
• Design, setup, and perform novel experiments to test and define new process steps
• Perform standardized bench-scale experiments to evaluate materials and process parameters
• Prepare standard reports, presentations, and summarize experimental results clearly and concisely to other team members
• Support ongoing operations, R&D test work and Cyclic goals as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's/Master’s/Doctorate degree in any stream aligned with the job requirements
• At least 3 years of proven experience in the metallization (Carbothermic Reduction or Molten salt electrolysis) of rare earths, titanium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum.
• Knowledge and direct experience with electrochemical and metallothermic methods for metal reduction
• Experience with fluorination and chlorination of rare earth oxides
• Capable of designing and conducting metal refining processes such as vacuum distillation, zone refining and electrorefining
• Excellent knowledge of pyrometallurgical and electrometallurgical processes
• Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental data, reach conclusions, and communicate results
• Excellent knowledge of software for phase diagrams and other thermodynamic calculations (FactSage, Thermo-Calc, etc.)
• Familiarity with chemical engineering (e.g., mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport phenomena) and electrochemistry principles (e.g., charge transfer, Current-Voltage relationships)
• Candidates with extensive industrial experience on metallization are welcome to apply in lieu of above-mentioned qualifications
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• A safety-first mindset: share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes
• Knowledge of milling, and physical separation methods is an asset
• Experience or the desire to be in a dynamic startup environment
• A critical thinking mindset and focus on finding answers
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows

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.