Position Overview:MP Materials is seeking a Senior Engineer to join the Magnet Technology group to support development technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. In this role, the Senior Engineer will lead R&D projects to optimize the materials and processing of magnets, including casting, powder processing, pressing, sintering, recycling, and more. 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. The Senior Engineer will manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians to deliver new, scalable technologies for manufacturing rare-earth permanent magnets. 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[1]earth permanent magnets.
- Leverage materials characterization techniques including SEM, XRD, LECO, etc. to fundamentally understand the underlying mechanisms of magnetic properties.
- Supervise and mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance in metallurgical materials and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Collaborate with process and product development teams to leverage pilot equipment and scale new technologies.
- 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.
- Engage external institutions including university researchers, strategic partners, and government laboratories to add value from new technologies and applied research.
- Represent MP Materials within the industry by publishing in technical and trade journals and presenting at conferences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:- Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, or related field.
- 5+ years of industry experience in casting, pressing, sintering, or heat treatment of metals and/or ceramics.
- Experience with metallurgical manufacturing processes and materials characterization methods.
- Deep understanding of materials, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
- Agile researcher, adept at identifying untested questions about materials and the interactions between processing, structure, and performance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualities:- Experience with manufacturing of rare earth materials and permanent magnets.
- Experience leading technical development projects and direct reports, 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.
