Robotics Specialist

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.

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on Robotics Specialist to be an integral part of its Physical Engineering Design team as we design and build 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 strongly mechanically inclined and a natural tinkerer. This position will require a combination of both strong technical skills to support equipment and process design, and a hands-on nature to support the successful sourcing, construction, and commissioning of the designs. The new facility will contain a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes, and will be important for the Robotics Specialist to engage with a broad range of technical specialists to gain a working understanding of the physical processes, key control metrics, and potential hazards involved.

The successful candidate will also be passionate about pairing careful design and assembly work to ensure processes perform as intended initially and over time.

• Design and construct robotic and automation systems for use in a manufacturing facility.
• Support design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of process equipment, working closely with engineers to deliver projects from concept to fully operational in the plant.
• Work with broader engineering design and manufacturing teams to integrate equipment into facility process flow.
• Participate in technical design reviews, supplier evaluations and internal and external compliance audits to relevant industrial standards (ASTM, ISO etc.).
• Create CAD models and automation simulations of proposed equipment and automation designs.
• Create CAD assembly and part print sets in preparation of fabrication.
• Work with engineers to perform FEA and other durability simulations to qualify potential designs.
• Order and assemble equipment, and perform testing required to ensure successful commissioning and ongoing operations.
• 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.
• Document all work and follow corporate change management procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Professional apprenticeship program, AAS, or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (Manufacturing), Robotics and Automation/Mechatronics, Machining Technology, or related areas.
• 0-5 years robotics and automation/mechatronics or machine assembly experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of automation for industrial processes and materials handling.
• Hands on experience in robotics, automation systems and process optimization.
• Excellent spatial visualization and reasoning skills, with an understanding of fits and tolerances.
• Sound knowledge of Process Safety, including machine-man-environment interactions.
• Good understanding of human factors in manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the…