Job Description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control. 

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer 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 help to define the future of American manufacturing. The ideal candidate is an “Impact Player” that will provide technical advice and guidance for all phases of equipment related projects and develop and lead engineering projects utilizing new technology to constantly upgrade and improve site safety, efficiencies, cost controls, quality controls and protection of the environment.

The new facility will contain a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes. Because of the broad range of processes in use, it is important that the Automation Engineer be able 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. A key aspect of this role will be the design and implantation of automated material handling methods throughout the factory for a mix of new and/or currently manual operations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work within the MP Materials Magnetics team to define and execute a strategy for the design, automation, and continuous improvement of process equipment and facilities.
• Work with the manufacturing technology team to develop new automated processes from start up to full operating rates by helping to create and program automated solutions for specific high-labor tasks.
• Primary responsibility for identifying key areas for automation in the manufacturing facility and maintaining a project hopper from which to source automation projects.
• Primary engineering responsibility for the start-up, operation, and continuous improvement of automated processes in the factory.
• Develop Design For Manufacturing (DFM) programs that improve and optimize workflows.
• Create virtual models of automated systems to test functionality and identify and troubleshoot potential issues before implementation.
• Create standard operating procedures, work instructions and maintenance procedures for new/improved processes.
• Instruct operators on the use and operation of new automated systems.
• Coordinate with the networking, systems and operations team to integrate new automated equipment into the control center.
• Support the Capital Projects team in managing procurement, vendors, maintenance, contractors, operators, and other team members to complete projects, focusing on speed of execution, and financial discipline.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related engineering field or relevant experience.
• Five to seven years of experience developing and implementing automation projects in an industrial environment.
• Hands on capability with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling systems.
• Experience in working in diverse, multifunctional teams of engineers and operators in an industrial setting.
• Experience in facility design, infrastructure, and Capital Equipment Acquisition.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• High level user of Microsoft Office suite.

Desired Qualities:

• Deep working knowledge of industrial automation, sensors, and controls.
• Hands-on experience in the implementation and operation of industrial process automation.
• An ability to identify and solve problems and effectively communicate and advocate for these solutions to others (from operators to management).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing a portfolio of projects and/or processes.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.