Characterization Shift Lead

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:

We are seeking a hands-on Shift Lead, Characterization to support the Magnet Technology group in developing advanced manufacturing technologies for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets. The Shift Lead will be responsible for leading a shift of technicians that will run a variety of analytical tests to provide critical data for process development, including but not limited to ICP-OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, and magnetometry. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.

Position Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and assign daily work for technicians to ensure timely completion of analytical tasks and lab operations.
• Directly support lab staff, including training, scheduling, and providing day-to-day guidance and feedback on performance.
• Follow and maintain standard work instructions and ensure they are followed by all employees during the shift, including both laboratory staff and other internal users.
• Perform and support routine and advanced analyses including ICP-OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, magnetometry, and other methods as needed, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
• Assist with troubleshooting and coordinate maintenance and calibration activities to maintain instrument functionality and maximize uptime.
• Lead efforts to maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and supporting EHS requirements.
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in chemistry or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in an analytical or wet chemistry laboratory, including hands‑on operation of advanced instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience leading and training technicians, operators, chemists/engineers, and other general users.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Proficiency with both physical and electronic record‑keeping system.
• Strong discipline in following safety practices and standard work instructions.
• Ability to support a multi-shift operation, including availability as needed during off-hours, weekend, and holidays.

Desired Qualities:

• 10+ years of experience with analytical techniques including ICP-OES, LECO CS/ONH, optical and electron microscopy, metallographic sample preparation, XRD, XRF, thermal analysis, and magnetometry.
• Experience in scheduling, prioritizing, and delegating tasks to meet project milestones and production deadlines.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Hands-on approach to identifying and solving problems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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 accommoda