Patent Agent

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:

The Patent Agent sits within the Legal department and works directly under the supervision of the Vice President, Associate General Counsel (IP). The Patent Agent will play a critical role in identifying, protecting, and strengthening the Company's intellectual property portfolio, with a particular focus on materials science, process technology, and manufacturing methods.

This is a fully in-office role requiring strong technical fluency, precision in drafting, and the ability to operate in close partnership with engineering. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to contribute to best-in-class legal and engineering teams.

Position Responsibilities:

* Partner with the VP, Associate General Counsel (IP) to support execution of the Company's patent strategy aligned with core technologies and long-term business priorities.

* Assist in building and managing a high-value global patent portfolio focused on advanced materials, magnetics, and manufacturing processes.

* Conduct invention harvesting sessions with engineers and technical teams, with an emphasis on identifying protectable process innovations and performance improvements.

* Draft high-quality U.S. patent applications, including specifications and claims, for complex technologies.

* Prosecute U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, including preparation of responses to Office Actions.

* Coordinate with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution

* Perform patentability searches, landscape analyses, and competitive intelligence reviews.

* Support freedom-to-operate and risk assessments by gathering and synthesizing relevant technical and patent information for review by supervising counsel.

Other Functions:

* Translate technical findings into clear, actionable summaries for Legal and business stakeholders.

* Develop a deep understanding of the Company's core technologies and workflows.

* Support internal education efforts to improve invention disclosure quality and IP awareness.

* Support IP aspects of commercial and strategic transactions (e.g., licensing, joint development, supply arrangements) by preparing technical summaries and patent-related materials.

* Assist with IP due diligence efforts, including portfolio review and documentation support.

* Help refine and scale internal IP processes, including invention disclosure intake, review, and tracking.

Basic Qualifications:

* Registered to practice as a patent agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

* Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree strongly preferred).

* 5+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably with exposure to advanced materials or chemical systems and industrial processes or manufacturing technologies.

* This is a fully onsite position (5 days per week in Las Vegas, NV), but the candidate must have the ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time, including travel to other Company locations and meetings with internal stakeholders or external partners.

Desired Qualities:

* Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality patent applications in technically complex subject matter.

* Experience managing or supporting global patent portfolios and coordinating with foreign counsel.

* Prior in-house experience or experience supporting industrial/manufacturing clients is strongly preferred.

* Ability to align IP work with commercial priorities and operational realities.

* Clear and effective communicator with engineers, operators, and senior leadership.

* Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability,…