Automation & Digital Transformation Manager

Who we are:

Demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition is growing exponentially. Yet, we know mining deeper and broader, and building landfills higher and wider, works against our fight to save the planet. At Nth Cycle, we see the path forward. We believe the critical minerals needed for the energy transition are already in circulation today. We just didn’t have a clean, profitable way of retrieving them, until now.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company. Our electro-extraction technology helps recyclers and miners capture more critical minerals—for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, among other things—while dramatically reducing costs and emissions. We are the heart of metals processing; we are the crucial step that profitably separates critical minerals from other elements, transforming them into production-grade feedstocks for the energy transition.

Our Culture:

You won’t find another team like ours. We believe in open, honest communication, and enjoying our work while changing the world.

Position Summary:

REMOTE. 50% travel.

The Automation Manager will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of control systems across our hydrometallurgical refining facilities. You will be responsible for the lifecycle of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), ensuring maximum uptime, safety, and efficiency in processes involving leaching, solid/liquid separation, precipitation, and electrochemical extraction. This role bridges the gap between traditional Operational Technology (OT) and modern data-driven manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Architecture & Strategy: Define the long-term roadmap for site-wide automation, transitioning facilities toward Industry 4.0 standards.
• Process Control Optimization: Oversee the programming and maintenance of PLC DCS, and SCADA systems.
• Project Leadership: Lead automation design for capital projects (CapEx), from initial Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) through to commissioning.
• Instrumentation & Reliability: Work with our team and our EPC contractors to develop a process reliability program to ensure ongoing operations and consistent, repeatable measurement & control.
• Cybersecurity & Data: Partner with IT to ensure OT cybersecurity compliance and lead the integration of plant data into high-level MES or ERP systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechatronics Engineering. P.E. license preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years in industrial automation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Industry Background: Direct experience in mining, chemical processing, or oil & gas . Familiarity with hydrometallurgical circuits is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Mastery of IEC 61131-3 programming languages and ISA-95/ISA-99 standards.

Core Competencies:

• Safety First: Deep understanding of Functional Safety (SIL/SIS) and Hazardous Area Classifications.
• Vendor Management: Proven ability to manage Tier 1 system integrators and equipment OEMs.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to use process data to troubleshoot bottlenecks and reduce reagent consumption.