Specialist, Process Control

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:

This role is designed for a skilled technician with experience in troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and industrial process control systems. The ideal candidate will support daily plant operations, lead equipment-based improvements, and contribute to the implementation of OPEX projects and continuous improvement initiatives across a complex, high-tech manufacturing environment.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on technical support for plant process control systems, including routine checks, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting equipment or system faults.
• Provide daily technical support for plant process control systems, including troubleshooting and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and safety systems to ensure smooth and safe operations.
• Respond to process control-related issues as part of an on-call rotation, including after-hours support as needed.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining standard operating procedures for process control systems and support response protocols.
• Support troubleshooting efforts led by engineers to minimize downtime and ensure continuous improvement of system performance.
• Document and report system issues, maintenance actions, and resolution outcomes to engineering leadership.
• Perform routine inspections of process control equipment to identify and report wear, potential failure points, or improvement opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement (CI) and OPEX projects by implementing changes to process control systems, improving equipment functionality, and reducing downtime.
• Perform hands-on installation, testing, and calibration of process control components—such as instrumentation, control panels, and field devices.
• Read, interpret, and redline electrical schematics, P&IDs, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for existing or modified systems.
• Support the programming, configuration, and maintenance of process control platforms including Rockwell (Studio 5000), FactoryTalk View, and Siemens TIA Portal.
• Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance of process control systems; perform software backups, maintain change logs, and document all control system activities.
• Interface regularly with operators, maintenance, engineering, and EHS teams to ensure process control systems meet operational and safety requirements.
• Assist with commissioning and startup of new or modified process control systems, ensuring compliance with performance specifications.
• Use diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers) to test and troubleshoot control signals and communications.
• Collaborate with other technicians, operators, and engineering staff to support safe, efficient plant operations.
• Support training efforts for maintenance and operations staff to improve system knowledge and troubleshooting capabilities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent technical certification in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience working with PLC and HMI-based process control systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and modifying control system documentation such as electrical drawings and schematics.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), Siemens, or similar process control platforms.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment with chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes.
• Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, loop calibrators, and signal simulators.

Desired Qualities:

• 5+ years of process control or automation experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership of process control-related issues.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with an analytical approach to solving electrical/control problems.
• Familiarity with robotics, vision systems, or motion control technologies is a plus.
• Comfortable balancing multiple priorities and adapting to dynamic production demands.
• Basic CAD skills for modifying electrical schematics (AutoCAD Electrical preferred).
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and virtualized environments is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly document work and collaborate across departments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Outlook.

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 View phone number on ziprecruiter.com; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.