Engineer, Magnet Technology chez MP Materials

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, interdisciplinary Engineer to support the development, optimization, and integration of finishing processes for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. This role spans multiple technical domains, including but not limited to surface treatments, coating applications, adhesives, and thermal processes. The ideal candidate will build cross-functional expertise for advanced permanent magnet finishing processes. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments to develop and optimize processes for magnet finishing, including corrosion coatings, bonding, heat treatments, and more.
• Support the development and refinement of surface preparation methods (e.g., sandblasting, chemical treatments, passivation, plating) to ensure coating adhesion and performance.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment for coating, bonding, and heat treatment for laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Characterize magnet finishing outcomes using tools such as SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, micro-XRF, mechanical testing, salt spray tests, accelerated aging, etc.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (materials science, machining, quality, production) to integrate magnet finishing processes into production workflows and ensure quality standards.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts for finishing-related quality issues.
• Write and maintain technical documentation, including coating standards, process instructions, and test reports.
• Work closely with suppliers and external labs on new materials evaluation and qualification.
• 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 degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related field.
• Understanding of surface chemistry, materials thermodynamics, and kinetics.
• Experience with surface coating techniques, thermal treatments, and materials characterization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualities:

• Experience with corrosion coating processes of rare earth materials and permanent magnets (e.g. plating, passivation, epoxy, etc.).
• Experience operating furnaces and coating application equipment.
• Experience leading technical development projects, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong skills in analyzing experimental data using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or statistical software to draw actionable insights and guide decision-making.
• Lifelong learner able and enthusiastic to apply existing skills and experiences to new problems.

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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.