Senior Engineer, Magnet Technology (Chemical Processes)

Role details

Company Overview

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

******Position Overview

MP Materials is seeking an interdisciplinary Senior Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and integration of coating and finishing processes for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. This role spans multiple technical domains, including but not limited to surface treatments, coating formulations and applications, adhesives, barrel finishing, plating, and thermal processes. In addition to technical leadership, this role will manage and mentor a team of engineers, lead critical development and scale-up projects, and drive execution across multiple initiatives.

The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong people and project leadership skills, demonstrating the ability to build high-performing teams, drive complex engineering initiatives, and identify and prioritize technology investments that advance the company's long-term objectives. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead experimental projects, overseeing project planning, execution, and delivery of the development and optimization of chemical processes at the laboratory and pilot-scale to enhance the properties of permanent rare-earth magnets.
• Design and conduct experiments to optimize new materials and processes, including but not limited to coatings formulation, application, metal plating and finishing, epoxy coating, surface treatment, and adhesive processes.
• Apply laboratory and pilot-scale findings to assist process scale up to production.
• Manage engineers to ensure high-quality execution of experimental trials and data collection, providing technical guidance in coatings and finishing processes, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Lead and manage development projects, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge of current and future magnet research.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done to ensure world-class health and safety, and full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; Master's or PhD preferred.
• 8+ years of experience developing, optimizing, or scaling industrial materials, coatings, surface treatment, finishing, or related manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing laboratory and pilot-scale experiments, including statistical analysis and interpretation of technical data
• Proven track record leading complex technical projects from concept through scale-up, with responsibility for meeting project objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Prior experience supervising, mentoring, or leading engineers and technical staff in a research, development, or manufacturing environment.
• Agile researcher, adept at identifying untested questions about materials and the interactions between processing, structure, and performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing rare earth materials and permanent magnets.
• Experience leading technical development projects, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong understanding of coating formulations, application methods, adhesives, thermal processing, plating, and surface engineering principles.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize technical opportunities that support business strategy and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical talent and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lifelong learner able and enthusiastic to apply existing skills and experiences to new problems.

Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work

– In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application

• Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.