Lead Tool & Die Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

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 Lead Tool & Die Machinist is responsible for leading the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and continuous improvement of tooling, dies, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support production operations. This position requires extensive experience with manual and CNC machining equipment, strong troubleshooting abilities, and leadership skills to coordinate work activities and mentor other technicians. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of craftsmanship, a strong safety mindset, and the ability to work independently while driving improvements in equipment reliability, quality, and production efficiency.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead daily activities of the Tool & Die team and coordinate priorities with production and maintenance leadership.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain stamping dies, fixtures, jigs, molds, and precision tooling.
• Operate and maintain:
  • Manual lathes
  • Manual milling machines
  • CNC mills and lathes
  • Wire EDM
  • Surface grinders
  • Drill presses
  • Horizontal/ Vertical Band saws
  • Precision measuring equipment
• Fabricate replacement parts and components from engineering drawings, sketches, or worn samples.
• Perform precision fitting, alignment, and assembly of tooling components.
• Conduct root cause analysis on recurring tooling failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for tooling and manufacturing equipment.
• Assist engineering with new product development, tooling modifications, and process improvements.
• Train, mentor, and develop junior Tool & Die Technicians and machinists.
• Ensure all work is performed in compliance with company safety policies and LOTO procedures.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and tooling documentation.
• Recommend improvements to increase reliability, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.
• Repair, troubleshoot, modify, and rebuild stamping dies, molds, fixtures, jigs, and precision tooling to maintain safe and reliable production operations.
• Provide urgent production support by responding to tooling failures, diagnosing root causes, and implementing permanent corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
• Reverse engineer worn or unavailable components from samples, drawings, or existing parts to restore equipment functionality and maintain operational continuity.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to prioritize tooling repairs and improvements that maximize equipment availability, throughput, and overall plant performance.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of Tool & Die or precision machining experience.
• Minimum of 2+ years in a leadership or lead technician role preferred.
• Strong experience operating:
  • Manual lathes
  • Manual mills
  • CNC machining centers
  • Surface grinders
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools, including:
  • Micrometers
  • Calipers
  • Height gauges
  • Dial indicators
  • Bore gauges
• Experience troubleshooting hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Desired Qualities:

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles.
• Welding and fabrication experience (MIG, TIG, or Stick).
• CNC programming and setup experience.
• Experience using CMMS systems such as SAP.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• High attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• High ownership and accountability.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond to changing production needs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn and grow into more advanced maintenance roles.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer - EEO is The Law. 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 View phone number on ziprecruiter.com; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.