Position Overview:MP Materials is seeking a hands-on process engineer to be an integral part of the team designing, building, and operating a new metal, alloy, and magnet-making facility. This role will support the first and second steps in our manufacturing process: molten salt electrolysis and strip casting. This position will be responsible for producing on-spec metal and flake while improving daily operations. In addition, this role will work closely with QAQC, EHS, supply chain, and maintenance teams to meet area objectives.
Position Responsibilities:- Participate in equipment specification, design reviews, and commissioning of electrolysis cells and strip casters.
- Lead the operators and technicians through technical training and support.
- Contribute to EHS risk assessments, HAZOP studies, and regulatory compliance.
- Evaluate raw materials and their impact on plant performance and product quality.
- Track KPIs to achieve high yield, consistent product quality, and minimal EHS impacts.
- Supervise the daily use of quality control procedures.
- Investigate and resolve quality issues within molten salt electrolysis and strip casting.
- Lead continuous improvement activities to eliminate waste and reduce overall cost.
- Communicate progress verbally and through detailed written technical reports and presentations.
- Document and disclose intellectual property and assist in patent filing preparation and defense.
- Work with procurement, vendors, maintenance, operators, and other team members to support production and operational objectives.
- Other duties, as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:- BS degree in Metallurgy/Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 2+ years' experience with industrial scale processes and equipment.
- Knowledge and experience in gathering and tracking process control information for SPC.
- Problem-solving experience, including FMEA, 8D, A3, and root cause analysis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong data analysis and hands-on engineering skills.
- Experienced user of Microsoft Office suite.
Desired Qualities:- Advanced degree in Metallurgy/Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
- Deep technical knowledge of high temperature metallurgy and/or molten salt electrolysis.
- Experience with SAP.
- Ability to identify and solve problems and influence stakeholders, from management to operators, to adopt effective solutions.
- Experience with programming and process-control operations; experience with COMSOL Multiphysics, CFD, MATLAB, Python, Minitab, AutoCAD, and/or SolidWorks.
