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.
