Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence

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 looking for a Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence, who will be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across key projects within MP’s Magnetics division. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to build and mature sustainable manufacturing systems, standardize operational processes, and create a culture of continuous improvement as our manufacturing operations continue to expand in complexity and volume.

This position will play a critical role in both establishing new best practices from the ground up and leading troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, root cause problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration. They will oversee improvement projects focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvement, downtime reduction, and operational standardization while maintaining strong alignment with production priorities and business objectives, and ultimately, driving operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects from conception through execution.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, increasing uptime, and enhancing product quality .
• Utilize PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to further improve operational efficiency, quality performance, and manufacturing reliability.
• Identify and resolve operational gaps, constraints, and process inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve process capability and operational reliability.
• Support standardization of manufacturing processes, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and cross-functional continuous improvement activities.

Data Analytics & Performance Monitoring

• Analyze manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop KPI dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision‑making.
• Perform statistical analysis related to process capability, variation reduction, scrap trends, downtime, and production performance.
• Utilize data analytics tools to support data-driven recommendations and operational improvements.
• Track and report measurable improvement results including cost savings, efficiency gains, and quality improvements.

Team Support & Leadership

• Support employees on Lean Six Sigma tools, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to cross-functional "tiger teams" participating in operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Support development of standardized problem-solving and data-driven decision making practices.

Reporting and Document Control

• Maintain documentation related to…