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, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy. 
Why Phoenix Tailings At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.  
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 a Senior Counsel-Intellectual Property to protect and scale the innovations powering the future of clean critical metals. This role will own the strategy behind safeguarding our core technologies while also stepping into broader legal responsibilities typically handled by a general counsel. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our breakthroughs are protected, our partnerships are structured for long-term success, and our company is positioned to lead a new industrial era.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and secure protection for novel metallurgical and chemical processes central to Phoenix Tailings’ mission
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and IP diligence to inform R&D and commercial decisions
• Draft and negotiate IP-centric agreements including licensing, joint development, and technology transfer
• Provide legal support on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters as part of a growing general counsel function
• Support strategic transactions including partnerships, fundraising, and commercial agreements
• Establish internal systems and processes to manage and scale legal operations as the company grows
• Advise executive leadership on legal risks and strategies tied to technology development and business expansion

Qualifications:

• J.D. and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar
• Extensive experience in intellectual property law, including hands-on patent drafting and prosecution
• Direct experience managing patent portfolios and working with inventors to capture and protect new innovations
• Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and IP diligence
• Experience drafting and negotiating licensing, joint development, and other IP-related agreements
• Experience supporting corporate and commercial legal matters (e.g., contracts, governance, transactions)
• Technical background or direct experience working with engineering, materials science, or chemical processes

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: $160,000- $200,000 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).