Senior Engineer, Magnet Technology

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 Senior Engineer to join the Magnet Technology group to support development technologies for advanced manufacturing to produce high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. The Senior Engineer will specialize in hands-on experimental development efforts related to front-end magnet-making processes, including but not limited to strip casting, powder processing, pressing, and sintering. 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.

In addition, the Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians, drive cross-functional collaboration with production teams, and play a key role in setting technical directions for future process improvements. The role encompasses a broad range of initiatives, from designing materials for optimum performance to developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. 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-earth permanent magnets.

* Leverage materials characterization techniques including SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, etc. to suggest actionable process improvements.

* Collaborate with production teams to scale processes from pilot to manufacturing operations.

* Mentor technicians and engineers to ensure high-quality execution of experimental trials and data collection, providing technical guidance in metallurgical materials, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

* Lead the generation of technical reports and SOPs, document and communicate findings, and build team knowledge of current and future magnet prototyping.

* 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.

* Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

* Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

* 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or R&D demonstrating successful process development across metals, ceramics or related systems.

* Strong knowledge and experience with process development in areas such as casting, powder metallurgy, pressing, or sintering.

* Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, and particle size analysis.

* Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and draw actionable conclusions.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualities:

* Experience with manufacturing of rare earth materials and permanent magnets.

* Strong troubleshooting skills with manufacturing equipment and process control.

* Experience leading technical…