Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Company Overview

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. It is the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing.
MP Materials provides key materials used to create permanent magnets and finished magnets that enable next‑generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems—the foundation of physical AI, the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

MP Materials hires ambitious, mission‑driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. The 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.

Senior Instrumentation Engineer – a hands‑on, experienced engineer will design and build a state‑of‑the‑art greenfield facility for rare earth metals, alloys, and magnets. This high‑impact technical leadership role will shape the instrumentation strategy for one of the most important advanced manufacturing facilities in the U.S. The candidate will be a subject‑matter expert (SME) in industrial instrumentation, leading technical design, standardization, vendor engagement, and project execution;

guiding and mentoring engineers; setting instrumentation philosophy across the site; and influencing critical process, electrical, and automation design decisions. The work will improve safety, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental performance across the facility.

• Lead instrumentation engineering efforts throughout the full project lifecycle—from conceptual design through implementation, commissioning, and continuous improvement.
• Create and review detailed instrumentation specifications, requisitions, datasheets, and technical bid evaluations; participate in vendor selection and inspection processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for instrumentation systems, ensuring alignment with internal standards, industry best practices, and process requirements.
• Perform in‑depth design reviews of vendor and contractor deliverables, identifying and resolving discrepancies during critical milestones to ensure compliance and reliability.
• Drive standardization and best practices across instrumentation systems; contribute to the development of global site‑wide instrumentation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with Process, Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineering teams to fully integrate instrumentation into broader systems architecture.
• Partner with EHS teams to develop and implement validation and safety strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance and system robustness.
• Oversee specification, sourcing, and implementation of instrumentation packages; coordinate with vendors and MP’s supply chain team to meet scope, budget, and schedule.
• Act as a mentor and technical leader to junior engineers—supporting knowledge transfer, design reviews, and professional development within the instrumentation team.
• Support or lead efforts to develop and maintain compliance with engineering codes, electrical standards, and hazardous area classifications.
• Champion a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the engineering function.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of relevant experience in the design, specification, configuration, and validation of industrial instrumentation systems.
• Proven experience reviewing and developing detailed design documents, including P&IDs, loop drawings, I/O lists, and instrument index documentation.
• Minimum 3 years of experience developing or contributing to instrumentation standards and best practices.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and…