Manager, Characterization

Manager, Characterization

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.

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Characterization to oversee materials characterization efforts within the Magnet Technology organization. This role is responsible for establishing and executing the characterization strategy that supports research, technology development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and production support for advanced rare earth permanent magnet technologies.

The successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership across laboratory operations, analytical method development, advanced materials characterization, and laboratory infrastructure. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, chemists, and technicians while ensuring the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable data that enables innovation and manufacturing excellence. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring regular engagement in laboratory activities, data review, method development, root-cause investigations, and characterization of advanced magnetic materials, while simultaneously leading and developing a growing organization of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in materials characterization and analytical science, combined with demonstrated success leading laboratory organizations, developing technical talent, implementing world-class laboratory systems and methods, and supporting manufacturing and R&D environments. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

• Lead the Characterization function within the Magnet Technology organization, including oversight and mentorship of the Analytical Laboratory and Methods Development teams
• Provide technical leadership in analytical science, materials characterization, and problem-solving across the company
• Remain actively engaged in laboratory activities, including reviewing data, troubleshooting analytical challenges, guiding method development, and participating in key technical investigations
• Oversee development, validation, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods and characterization workflows
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations involving materials, processes, products, and analytical methods, and partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and EHS teams to solve complex materials and process challenges
• Establish laboratory operating procedures, analytical standards, data quality requirements, training programs, and best practices across all characterization activities in the R&D and Quality labs
• Drive implementation of data management, laboratory automation, and digital tools that improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making
• Establish performance metrics and ensure the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable analytical results to internal stakeholders
• Ensure the effective operation, reliability, and expansion of analytical and characterization capabilities, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure
• Build and develop a high-performing technical organization through recruitment, coaching,…