Senior Engineer, Magnet Technology

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 a hands-on Senior Engineer to join the Magnet Technology group to support development technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high-performance rare earth permanent magnets.

The Senior Engineer will specialize in hands-on experimental development efforts related to front-end magnet-making processes, including but not limited to strip casting, powder processing, pressing, and sintering. Responsibilities include designing custom experimental setups, running experimental campaigns on pilot-scale equipment, and materials characterization using techniques such as magnetometry, microscopy, and chemical analysis. In addition, the Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians, drive cross-functional collaboration with production teams, and play a key role in setting technical directions for future process improvements.

The role encompasses a broad range of initiatives, from designing materials for optimum performance to developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. 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 scalable new materials and processes for rare-earth permanent magnets. Design and conduct experiments to optimize new materials and processes for rare-earth permanent magnets. Leverage materials characterization techniques including SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, etc. to suggest actionable process improvements.

Collaborate with production teams to scale processes from pilot to manufacturing operations. Mentor technicians and engineers to ensure high-quality execution of experimental trials and data collection, providing technical guidance in metallurgical materials, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Lead the generation of technical reports and SOPs, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge of current and future magnet prototyping. 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

Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or R&D demonstrating successful process development across metals, ceramics or related systems. Strong knowledge and experience with process development in areas such as casting, powder metallurgy, pressing, or sintering. Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, and particle size analysis. Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and draw actionable conclusions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualities: Experience with manufacturing of rare earth materials and permanent magnets. Strong troubleshooting skills with manufacturing equipment and process control. Experience leading technical development projects, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects. Strong skills in analyzing experimental data using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or statistical software to draw actionable insights and guide decision-making. Lifelong learner able and enthusiastic to apply existing skills and experiences to new problems. MP 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.