Engineer, Magnet Technology

Position 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 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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Generate 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 performed with world-class health and safety standards and in full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience Required: Experience with materials processing in metals, ceramics, or related systems.
• Knowledge and experience in process development 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the manufacturing of rare earth materials and permanent magnets.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in manufacturing or R&D with successful process development across metals, ceramics, or related systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with pilot plant equipment and process control.
• Experience leading technical development projects, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficiency in analyzing experimental data using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or statistical software to draw actionable insights and guide decision-making.
• A lifelong learner who is enthusiastic about applying existing skills and experiences to new problems.