Engineer, Electrolysis

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:

MP Materials is seeking a hands-on engineer to support the development of advanced technologies for producing high-purity rare earth metal and alloys, critical for high-performance permanent magnets. This role focuses on developing and scaling electrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical technologies – including but not limited to molten salt electrolysis and metallothermic reduction. The ideal candidate will be a motivated engineer eager to contribute to experimental research, process development, and scalability of rare earth metal/alloy making processes. This position will play a pivotal role in restoring strategic manufacturing capabilities to the U.S.

Position Responsibilities:

• Assist in the setup and execution of laboratory and pilot-scale experiments involving high-temperature reaction kinetics, molten salt systems, and reduction pathways.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to develop, optimize, and scale rare earth metal and alloy production processes.
• Operate and maintain electrochemical equipment (e.g. potentiostats, galvanostats) and assist in data collection using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy.
• Contribute to the design and fabrication of experimental setups, including furnace reactors and electrolysis cells.
• Prepare samples and conduct materials characterization using techniques such as XRD, XRF, LECO, and SEM.
• Apply simulation tools to model the thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and electrochemical behavior in rare earth metal extraction and refining.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure that all work is done to ensure world-class health and safety, and full compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
• Engage with university researchers, strategic partners, and government laboratories involved in rare earth reduction research to bring value and knowledge to MP Materials.
• Document all projects, provide written guidance for model usage, and build team knowledge of current and future rare earth research.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or related field.
• Experience with electrochemical instrumentation and techniques.
• Hands-on experience with furnace systems, electrochemical cells, or metallurgical lab equipment.
• Familiar with laboratory instrumentation and materials characterization techniques.
• Strong theoretical and experimental background in electrochemistry, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
• Agile researcher, adept at identifying untested questions about materials and processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with rare earth metal, alloy, and/or magnet making processes.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g. FactSage, CFD, FEA).
• Experience with programming, and the ability to apply those skills to automate routine analysis, data management, and process control operations.
• Lifelong learner able and enthusiastic to apply existing skills and experiences to new problems.

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.