Operations Specialist

Hourly Rate: $38.08 / hour

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 Senior Project Engineer will be a member of our Mountain Pass, CA mine business. This role supports the planning, coordination, and execution of capital projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. They work closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and technical teams to track progress, resolve issues, coordinate RFI responses, and maintain quality standards. The role involves reviewing technical documents, managing schedules and cost updates, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the day-to-day performance of key process(es) within the Operations department. Currently, you are responsible for PrNd finishing, Lanthanum finishing, and Cerium removal.
• Your main role, aside from day-to-day performance of these key processes, is to train and develop the next group of operators who will eventually own the process. Training will include regular field assessments to evaluate the candidate’s information retention with this complex process. Specialists, Supervisors and Trainers should be working hand in hand, constant communication on how an employee is progressing and if any changes are needed to the training efforts.
• Conducts regular testing and analysis of various process conditions.
• Manages multiple required tasks safely and efficiently.
• Describes plant issues in detail to aid operations and maintenance work.
• Completes daily shift reports, overviewing tasks, and completion statuses.
• Develop and revise daily logs to help improve process efficiency and data gathering.
• Troubleshoot issues and train team members to identify potential issues ahead of a failure.
• Communicates directly with operators, technical team, and management.
• Works directly with the training team to create and revise Standard Operating Procedures and other training documentation.
• Troubleshoots process issues on the fly, with the ability to diagnose and remedy in a timely manner.
• Safely and efficiently trains fellow operators.
• Works alone and within teams on various projects for the process.
• Completes any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.
• Driver of 5S initiatives in the operation.

Basic Qualifications:

• No attendance or disciplinary issues
• Strong understanding of Pi Historian, and the ability to create and edit pdi files
• Strong understanding of SCADA PLC controls
• Basic understanding of PID loop controls
• Qualified on multiple processes within the department
• Flexible work schedules (standard schedule is 48 hours/week)
• Familiar with Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Power Point, Share Point and Excel
• Familiar with basic Training Matrices (Area Specific)
• Ability to understand, revise, and create SOPs
• Versed in safe work practices across all operations tasks
• Basic Understanding of Cal OSHA and MSHA Regulations
• Extensive knowledge of the sites policies and procedures and able to train to the MP Standards
• Basic knowledge of 5S and Continuous Improvement practices
• Self-Driven
• Self-Starter and can work with little direction and guidance
• Able to take instruction
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

Desired Qualities:

• Strong Microsoft Office applications skills
• Prior leadership skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced high stress environment
• Able to multi-task and manage multiple tasks/projects at once
• Initiative - “You see it you own it” mentality
• Owner-Operator mentality
• Committed to safe work practices while knowing one’s limitations

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.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing - all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing - distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.