Process Engineer, Finishing

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 job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications expected of a Process Engineer specializing in the machining of carbides and ceramics. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaborative abilities to drive the development and optimization of machining processes for these challenging materials. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in machining metal/ceramic cutting and grinding operations. The Process Engineer must be comfortable with failure analysis, continuous improvements, equipment fault diagnosis, and process development.

The new facility will contain a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal processes, including electrowinning, strip casting, powder production, pressing & sintering, machining, and assembly. Because of the broad range of processes in use, it is important that the Process Engineer be able to engage with a broad range of technical specialists and gain a working understanding of the physical processes, key control metrics, and potential hazards involved. The key aspect of this role is to provide technical coordination and support to the part machining operation to meet customer requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize machining processes for magnetic materials, including sawing, slicing, and grinding. 
• Design and implement tooling solutions optimized for materials, considering factors such as tool wear, material removal rates, and surface finish requirements. 
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to provide input on material selection, component geometry, and machining feasibility during product development stages.
• Conduct feasibility studies and process simulations to evaluate the manufacturability of new designs and identify potential challenges or opportunities for improvement. 
• Define machining parameters, tooling specifications, and quality standards to ensure consistent production performance and adherence to customer requirements. 
• Implement process monitoring and control systems to maintain optimal machining conditions, minimize scrap rates, and maximize throughput. 
• Troubleshoot machining issues, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to resolve production disruptions and improve process robustness. 
• Provide technical support and training to production personnel on machining techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering roles focused on machining, preferably with a specialization in carbides and ceramics. 
• Strong knowledge of machining principles, cutting tool materials, and machining parameters relevant to carbide and ceramic materials. 
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for toolpath generation and machining simulation (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam). 
• Experience with CNC machining centers, grinding machines, and other precision machining equipment.  
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and methodologies for process optimization (e.g., Six Sigma, Design of Experiments). 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical solutions. 
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

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.