Position Overview:MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Manager, Manufacturing Facilities Engineering to be an integral part of the team designing and building a new metal, alloy, and magnet-making facility. This is a rare opportunity to have a central role in the development of a greenfield advanced manufacturing facility, and helping to define the future of American manufacturing. This position will require a combination of both strong technical skills to design the machines needed for material movement and plant layout, and a hands-on nature to ensure that the successful sourcing, construction, and commissioning of the designs.
The new facility contains a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes, including electrowinning, strip casting, powder production, pressing & sintering, machining, and assembly. Because of the broad range of processes in use, it is important that the Manager Manufacturing Facilities Engineering have a diverse technical background with the ability to engage with a broad range of technical specialists and gain a working understanding of the physical processes, key control metrics, and potential hazards involved. The successful candidate will be passionate about pairing design work with much of the actual "dirty hands" work to ensure that everything works as intended initially and over time.
Position Responsibilities:- Primarily responsible for facility engineering related to building, piping, HVAC, process gas distribution and related activities.
- Lead a dedicated team of engineers and specialists for support of existing manufacturing sites.
- Lead a dedicated team of engineers and specialists to review designs for new facilities as MP expands manufacturing.
- Contributes to the Physical Design Engineering team as a senior member.
- Works closely with broader process engineering, controls engineering, and manufacturing teams to create support and utility systems for equipment expansions.
- Works with engineering teams and maintenance to manage operational and capital projects utilizing local contractors and third party engineering firms where applicable.
- Delivers finished designs, detailed drawings, and engineering specifications for supplier bidding, and leads vendor compliance efforts after purchase.
- Leads and mentors engineers and specialists.
- Conducts and participates in technical design reviews, supplier evaluations and internal and external compliance audits to relevant industrial standards (ASTM, ISO etc).
- Performs CAD, FEA, and durability simulations as required of concept designs to provide recommendations for physical prototype candidates, execute testing, and ensure successful commissioning and ongoing operation.
- Works closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done to ensure world class health and safety, and full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
- Documents all work for seamless handoff to end users, prepares technical reports, and follows all corporate change management procedures.
- Leads and supports continuous improvement activities to produce ongoing, meaningful improvements to worker safety, process uptime, and product quality.
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications:- Prior experience as an engineering manager within a manufacturing environment.
- BS or MS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
- At least 7 years manufacturing equipment and utility design experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of statistical process control, and experience in designing control systems.
- Excellent spatial visualization and reasoning skills, with a history of conceiving of successful creative designs for bespoke problems.
- Broad knowledge and experience across multiple CAD.
- Project Management and hands-on approach to projects.
- Expert level user of Microsoft Office suite.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound knowledge of Process Safety.
- Good understanding of human factors in manufacturing.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
Desired Qualities:- 5+ years equipment design and process automation experience in metals, semiconductor, or specialty chemicals industries.
- Ability to identify and solve problems, and effectively communicate and advocate for these solutions to others (from operators to management).
