Metallization Scientist - Rare Earth Elements

Job description

Cyclic Materials™ is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠ processes, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high purity materials used in the production of permanent magnets. These materials are critical to the modern economy, including the production of electric vehicles, electronics, AI infrastructure, wind turbines, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly progressed from technology development to commercialization. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with a new expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by US$75 million in Series C financing led by T. Rowe Price, 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 to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable rare earth supply. We have established commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real world supply chains. In 2025, Cyclic Materials was named one of the Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Technology Review. We are growing quickly and building the industrial backbone required for a circular rare earth economy. Joining Cyclic Materials means working on complex and exciting challenges at scale, alongside a team committed to executing and delivering 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 Pay Range $110,000—$160,000 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 [HumanResources@cyclicmaterials.earth](mailto:HumanResources@cyclicmaterials.earth). Applicants for employment in the Canada and US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States or Canada and with Cyclic Materials (i.e., 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.