Process Development Manager

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:

The Process Development Manager will lead a growing team of up to 20 chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians to support ongoing plant operations, as well as lead new innovations in process and product development. This role is responsible for experiment planning and execution to meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives in support of strategic business goals and customer requirements, with employee safety being paramount.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, sound technical expertise, and a collaborative mindset to drive process optimization and scale-up initiatives.

This is a critical role in MP Material’s mission of restoring the full rare earth supply chain to the USA as the company continues to expand its operational footprint and processing capabilities.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a growing team of up to 20 technical professionals in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, performance development, and professional growth for team members.
• Oversee the design, planning, and execution of experiments to support process innovation and optimization.
• Align experimental design and development schedules with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with other plant operations and process engineering functional groups to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Deliver technical support and troubleshooting expertise to chemical plant operations.
• Manage testing project timelines, resource allocation, and prioritization in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards in all development activities.
• Analyze data, guide the preparation of technical reports by team members, and present findings to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Manage the R&D laboratory to ensure proper housekeeping, chemical inventory tracking, and asset accountability.
• Perform any other task as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience in chemical engineering process development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong project management skills and familiarity with stage-gate or similar development processes.
• Proficient in data analysis, experimental design, and technical reporting.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

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.

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