Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
5+ years in manufacturing or R&D with successful process development.
Strong background in process development for casting, powder metallurgy, pressing, or sintering.
Proficient in materials characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, particle size analysis).
Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and provide actionable insights.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities
Lead experimental projects for scalable materials and processes in magnet manufacturing.
Design and conduct experiments to optimize rare-earth permanent magnets.
Utilize characterization techniques for process improvement recommendations.
Collaborate with production teams to transition from pilot to manufacturing scale.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of learning.
Generate technical reports and communicate findings to the team.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and workplace safety standards.
Benefits
Opportunity to work at the forefront of American industrial capability.
Involvement in groundbreaking technologies for autonomy, robotics, and electrification.
Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
Collaborative culture with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
Participation in the strategic transformation of a key manufacturing sector.
Full Job Description
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.
